By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI), which operates the Ceres Liner passenger buses in Negros Occidental, has begun implementing the “no vaccine, no ride” policy of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which aims to protect commuters against COVID-19.

Jade Seballos, VTI media relations officer, said all passengers are now required to present their vaccination card prior to boarding the bus.

Based on the memorandum sent by the DOTr, the policy only takes effect in Alert Level 3 areas in order to stem the surge in new COVID-19 cases.

The whole Negros Island, including Bacolod City, has earlier been placed on Alert Level 3 until January 31.

Seballos further stated aside from inspection of vaccination cards, passengers are also temperature screened.

For humanitarian consideration, their buses are also allowed to pick up passengers along the way provided they also provide their vaccination cards.

Despite the criticisms they received for implementing the policy, Seballos insisted that the management is only following the DOTr’s policy./DGB, WDJ

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