Public transport capacity halved to prevent virus spread

Public buses are going to be operating at half their usual passenger loads in an endeavour to stop the spread of COVID-19 (also referred to as the novel coronavirus).

The Public Transport Service Corporation said in an exceeding statement issued March 21, 2020, that each one PTSC buses are going to be operating at 50 per cent capacity.

As a result, there'll be only one seated passenger in every other seat. Additionally, commuters are going to be asked to face three feet apart as they line up to board the bus. The company said additionally no standing passengers are going to be allowed on their buses.

Water taxis and inter-island ferry vessels have also cut their capacity in half to accommodate social distancing measures.

The Ministry of Works and Transport issued health and safety guidelines for all transport in a shot to stop any spread of COVID-19.

The Ministry said all transport systems had adopted the subsequent measures as follows:

1. Social distancing

Capacities for all public transportation routes are halved.

2. Routine sanitisation

All public transportation vessels are to be thoroughly sanitised before and after each service. This involves cleaning high touch areas like stop buttons, handrails and grab straps. This supplements standard cleaning arrangements.

3. No air-conditioning

The MOWT said where possible; public transportation units would travel without air con. Windows are going to be opened to permit fresh air to circulate, which may reduce the spread of the virus.

4. Handwashing

The MOWT said adequate supplies of soap are going to be available publicly washroom facilities like the inter-island ferry service.

The Ministry said staff also would be given hand sanitiser

5. Tours cancelled

The Ministry said all tours and charters were cancelled until further notice. All commuters who display flu-like symptoms are going to be discouraged from using public transportation.

The Ministry said it'll keep these measures in situ to prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, the general public is urged to clean hands frequently with soap and water, to hide the nose and mouth when coughing and to lose the tissue immediately, to conceal the face within the crook of the elbow if sneezing and to avoid contact with anyone.

The MOWT said however there's no have to clean up the comprehensive public transport system just yet completely. The Ministry will still provide updates PRN via their social media channels.