Inquiry Board urged public transport response to #COVID-19

April 29, 2020(HOPR):- The State of Emergency Inquiry Board recommended for public transport operators on how to prepare their transport networks for this pandemic, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and passengers. The board made a field observation to inspect and follow up the implementation of the State of Emergency in public transport and discussed with Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) and stakeholders.

In the discussion, the Chairperson of the Board, honorable Peteros Woldesenbet claimed that, more than 50% of complaints comes from the transport sector, and inquire clarification on the applicability of the proclamation directives and coordination with regional states.

The Executive Director of the Federal Transport Authority, Mr. Abdisa Yadata, said the authority is working in coordination with the government and set up a 9-member subcommittee and create a checklist with the media to implement the State of Emergency. He remind the public about proper hand hygiene before boarding and after disembarking the vehicle or bus/taxi. Consider making alcohol based hand-rub solutions available on the vehicles and at transport hubs.

“As we try to consider what the next weeks and months look like, I hope the strength of community throughout public transport continues. I’m thankful to all of those working within the sectors that can’t work from home, going about their daily routine to keep us moving. I’m especially thankful to see those in public transport stepping forward to do their part.” He added.

Customer service staff should only be available in information booths or desks with sufficient distance to passengers, to reduce contact, follow up to 50% or half of the passenger service by the national and city transportation services, monitor the use of alcohol and sanitizers at the entry and exit points. To reduce traffic congestion in Addis Ababa, and facilitate code 2 of public transport vehicles is already gadget. The guidance issued since April 10, 2020, implemented local transport restrictions in order to limit physical contacts between people, monitoring activities are being carried out.

According to The Executive Director, replacing meetings by telephone conferences should reduce contact between employees, the closing of canteens may be considered. As a general measure, staff should be reminded of required basic rules of personal hygiene, which includes to regularly wash hands, to sneeze and cough into the elbow and to use paper towels. Information bulletins are widely available and should be displayed throughout the premises.

 The effect of respiratory masks is debated. Public transport operators, around 10,000 medical professionals, law enforcement staffs obtain local and/or national advice on the use recommended types of masks and given temporary pass paper for their vehicles.

 Cleaning routines may have to be adapted and increased focus should be put on disinfecting common surfaces and spots to touch as well as waste disposal. For working places, where no cleaning may be possible between shifts, employees are not well equipped with the necessary means and be made responsible to remove any waste and disinfect surfaces before taking over as part of the routine.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic there are two types of risks related to public transport said Chairperson of the board. First, crowding in public transport and their use by large numbers of people can contribute to direct transmission of COVID-19 through respiratory droplets and indirect transmission through contaminated surfaces; second, public transport staff are at increased risk of infection.

The board recommended measures to mitigate risks and maintain public transport services, such as prevent crowding in public transport and in the waiting areas through the provision of sufficient vehicles and consider enhancing the service during rush hour times, encourage physical distancing in the waiting areas only and allow the use of every other seat when on the vehicle, consider reducing the maximum number of passengers per vehicle to avoid crowding and ensure physical distancing of at least one meter. If the distance is less than two meters, the use of face masks may be considered.

The road authority has worked closely with stakeholders to prevent and control the spread of the virus, and to coordinate a checklist with regional states is appreciated by the board, and it has done its best in maintaining operations with unresolved issues.

By Yared Eshetu                                                                                                                  

 House Interpreter