ICYMI: Skyway 3, RFID, non-essential travels, one-seat-apart rule

Romar Fernando

October 21, 2020

• The past week has been a roller coaster ride with the continuous battle against COVID-19.

  But despite the pandemic, some sort of great news on transport and road sectors that soon will be extremely useful to motorists and passengers of Metro Manila.

  Some of those are the completion of the Skyway stage 3 project, the contactless payments on tollways, the one seat apart policy on transportation and the permit on non-essential travels.

   

  Skyway Stage 3 is complete

  

  Photo Credit: Rappler

  The San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has announced the completion of Skyway stage 3 project that will play an essential role in connecting the north and south portions of Luzon.

  The 17.93-kilometer highway was completed before its target schedule on October 31, 2020. SMC managed to deliver despite the fire in Pandacan, Manila and construction delays amid the pandemic.

  The Skyway 3 is going to be a game changer. It will cut travel time from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) from three hours to just 20-25 minutes. With Skyway’s opening, Luzon will now have an expressway from Rosario, La Union to Batangas City.

  The newly constructed expressway is expected to be open to motorists by the end of November or early December. Toll fee will be free of charge for a month.

   

  Cashless Payments through RFID

  

  Photo Credit: James Deakin

  The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered contactless and cashless payment transactions in tollways to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

  The SMC will implement this cashless policy on transactions starting on November 2. This will require all motorists traversing all expressways in Luzon to secure radio-frequency identification (RFID) stickers.

  “We have completed the reconfiguration of these cashless lanes to help ensure a smooth transition and hopefully, minimal delays for motorists. For your added convenience and safety, please avail now of your free RFID stickers at our toll plazas. There are no requirements, so it will be very quick and easy,” said SMC president Ramon Ang.

  But despite the assurance of a swift and easy transaction, motorists are now complaining with the inconvenience made by the installation, the existence of two different service providers for different expressways, the Easytrip and Autosweep RFIDs as well as those RFID stickers which are not working properly and overcharging.

   

  Filipinos are now allowed to go on non-essential travels

  

  Photo Credit: The Star

  Starting today, October 21, Filipinos are now allowed to travel. But it is not absolute at all.

  Travelers leaving the country are required to present confirmed roundtrip tickets, travel and health insurance, accomplished immigration declaration form acknowledging the health risks involved, and a negative Antigen result a day before the flight.

  Travelers are also encouraged to inquire about certain rules and regulation their destination countries have, most especially with regards to COVID-19 response. Travelers may seek help from travel agencies about the requirements.

   

  One-seat-apart on public transportation

  

  Photo Credit: Rappler

  Started on October 19, the DOTr has implemented the one-seat-apart rule on public transportation to increase public transport capacity, operationalize more public utility vehicle routes and units, and accelerate the implementation of service contracting for buses and jeepneys to accommodate more commuters.

  Aside from PUVs, the department likewise implemented 50% passenger capacity on the rail sector.

  Public transport operators and passengers are mandated to observe basic safety protocols to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

  A creative “seven commandments” are reminded, as prescribed by health experts: 1.) Wear face and face shields; 2.) No talking and refrain from making telephone calls; 3.) No eating; 4.) Keep the vehicle well-ventilated; 5.) Frequent disinfection of the vehicle; 6.) Symptomatic passengers are not allowed inside the public transport; and 7.) Physical distancing or one-seat-apart should be implemented.

   

  So, there is an increased mobility and movement in our community, it is always our responsibility to take good care of ourselves and of one another.

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