Jeepneys in San Fernando, Pampanga were redesigned for safety for the “new normal” in the mass transportation system following health protocols to stop the spread of COVID 19.
The Philippine jeepney makeover design includes plastic dividers to keep a safe distance between passengers as prescribed by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) guidelines.
The design of the jeepney was revealed by the City Public Order and Safety Coordinating Office (CPOSCO) of San Fernando for use in the city once it entered GCQ on May 16, 2020.
The design uses plastic dividers on the seats, tied down to the bottom, and weighed down with blocks of wood. There is also plastic hung in front of the seats to prevent contact with the passengers on the other side. These dividers block respiratory droplets and ensure that social distancing will be followed in line with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) guidelines of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to operate at 50% capacity.
According to the CPOSCO Chief Louie Clemente, they are also observing proper disinfection at terminals before loading passengers on the public utility vehicle.
Part of the mass transportation design also includes the procedures before getting a ride in the vehicle. Since April, CPOSCO has been painting perfect squares dubbed as the “square of life” in public places to give direction on where people should stand to practice social distancing. This has been implemented in terminals as well, where riders have their masks and temperature checked.
“Makakatulong ito sa balik hanapbuhay ng mga drayber, kahit hindi parehas ang kita nila sa dati, mas okay na yun’ kaysa sa walang pasada,” notes Clemente.
This implementation of social distancing has been a contributing factor to Pampanga’s successful shift to Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) on June 15, the last stage before moving on to the lifting of quarantine restrictions.
Metro Manila’s jeepneys which resume operations on Friday, July 3, could benefit from following the same design system San Fernando City used to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The return of public transportation in GCQ areas is complemented by the deployment of Philippine National Railways’ new trains.
Utility passenger vans have also been designed with anti-COVID 19 dividers for the resumption of public transport.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to the CPOSCO of San Fernando for their innovative ideas and their success in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in jeepneys!
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