As the Circuit Breaker slowly phases out, life is also slowly but surely returning to normal. And while it’s an aspect that’s considerably hard to ascertain, it has been reflected in one of the country’s most valued sectors:
Public transportation.
According to the Straits Times, ridership on trains and buses has doubled compared with during the circuit breaker period.
Though interestingly, it’s somehow still just 36 per cent of the levels before the Coronavirus outbreak.
LTA: Public Transport Ridership Has Doubled Since Circuit Breaker Ended
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times yesterday (6 June), the Land Transport Authority said that public transport ridership during the morning rush hour has doubled, though it’s still only at 36 per cent of the levels before the Coronavirus outbreak.
“The increase is expected, as schools have restarted and nearly twice as many essential workers have returned to their workplaces, not all of whom have the flexibility to travel off-peak or afford alternative transport,” said LTA.
They attributed the drop in ridership (compared with before the Covid-19 outbreak) to the fact that some workers continue to telecommute.
Although the Circuit Breaker has been tentatively ‘lifted’, employers are still encouraged to let their employees work from home wherever possible and incorporate staggered working hours if employees have to go to the office.
Well, I’m certainly grateful that Goody Feed allows for telecommuting. Fingers crossed that it will be telecommuting all the way to 2022.Â
‘Sike’.
Concerns
“Wait, if ridership picks up…” said my saintly Aunt Angelica. “Does that mean a higher possibility of contracting the virus whenever you take public transport? Ahhh I don’t wanna dieeee!”
Well, lest you have the same concern as my dear Aunt Angelica, worry not because LTA has implemented several measures to curb that notion as much as possible.
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According to them, the measures are similar to the ones adopted in other major cities such as Seoul, Hong Kong and Taipei, where mass public transit ridership has also picked up.
“We strictly enforce the mask-wearing rule on public transport, encourage commuters to be socially responsible by refraining from talking and advocate good personal hygiene,” said LTA.
Transport ambassadors and public transport workers also remain on-site to remind passengers of the necessary precautions.
It helps, however, that commuters are generally not disruptive in nature.
“Commuters have generally been cooperative and socially responsible,” said LTA.
“Moving forward, we seek everyone’s continued cooperation to help keep the risk of transmission through transient commuting contact low.”
Commuters are advised to keep their masks on at all times, as safe distancing will not be possible at times on public transport, especially with the increased ridership.
Bus interchanges and MRT stations are cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis. High contact points such as handrails, grab poles and seats, in particular, are given higher priority.
Even so, however, the Public Transport Council recommends that passengers wash or sanitise their hands after coming into contact with common surfaces, in a bid to better protect themselves.
Used masks should also be disposed of properly (in rubbish bins) after trips.
As time passes, ridership will undeniably increase, and there might yet come a time when figures hit the same levels as the ones prior to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Whether a cure for the virus has been found by then, however, is quite another case.
And so, it’s imperative that you observe the necessary precautions, not only for yourself…
But your family members, who do not deserve the result of your slip-up, as well.
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
