The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has officially launched “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2018 to ensure safe, secure, and comfortable travel for all motorists and passengers during the Holy Week.
All agencies under the road, aviation, maritime, and railways sectors of DOTr laid out on March 22 their ongoing operations and proposed plans in anticipation of the expected increase in the volume of travelers during Holy Week.
Oplan Biyaheng Ayos will run from March 22 to April 5, 2018.
Under the Oplan, all attached agencies under the DOTr will implement safety and security precautions, including running 24/7 operations, manning hotlines and passenger help desks in all transport hubs, and keeping websites and social media pages active for real-time reporting and information dissemination.
DOTr assistant secretary for special concerns Eymard Eje reiterated Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade’s order to all attached agencies and concerned offices to prioritize the safety and security of all travelers during the Lenten season.
Undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure Thomas Orbos said DOTr is undertaking coordinated land, air, sea and rail preparations for the Holy Week to ensure the safety, security, and convenience of commuters.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT) are strictly implementing safety guidelines for public utility vehicles (PUVs), especially in light of the recent Dimple Star Bus accident in Occidental Mindoro that claimed 19 lives.
LTO and LTFRB will also collaborate on inspecting public utility buses for roadworthiness. Additionally, I-ACT’s “Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” operations will be in effect in different parts of the country.
Additional traffic enforcers are to be assigned on the Northern Luzon and Southern Luzon expressways.
Meanwhile, the Office for Commuter Affairs assured that there will be people manning the DOTr Hotline 7890.
DOTr undersecretary for aviation and airports Manuel Tamayo has instructed all airport managements in the country to implement a “no leave, no day-off” policy among its personnel in order to accommodate the expected influx of passengers.
Passenger help desks are to be available to assist air passengers in times of need.
The Manila International Airport Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines are likewise doing rounds in airports to ensure that facilities and personnel are ready for the expected 8% increase in air passenger volume during the Holy Week.
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will also be coordinating efforts to safeguard all sea travelers.
Additional security guards and K-9 units will be placed in all seaports, and baggage x-ray machines will be deployed.
Leaflets on public advisories and safety tips will be distributed to all passengers, while passenger assistance desks and first-aid stations will be positioned nationwide. Charging stations, free drinking water, and free Wi-Fi access will be set up in all passenger terminals.
PCG will be conducting pre-departure inspections to avoid overloading, while Marina personnel will board ships to conduct inspections among passengers.
Operations of the Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1, LRT-2, and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 will be suspended during the Holy Week to make way for general maintenance.
The Philippine National Railways will also suspend operations from March 29 to March 30, but will have special operations on March 31 for the routes Tutuban to Calamba, Mamatid, and Alabang.
Meanwhile, Office of Transport Security (OTS) Colonel Ed Danao announced that security levels will be intensified at all airports, seaports, and mass transport facilities throughout the country.
DOTr social media accounts are also prepared to receive complaints, answer inquiries, and assist motorists and passengers.
Image courtesy of mapichai at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
