By Marjaleen Ramos

The number of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) riders has decreased by 13 percent due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat, according to LRTA Spokesperson Hernando Cabrera.

“Kung titingnan natin ang datos natin noong January ang regular datos natin ay 132,000 (passengers), but as of last week bumaba na ito ng 114,000,” Cabrera said in an interview with DZMM Teleradyo.

Cabrera said the fear of COVID-19 is the main reason of the decrease in numbers of passengers.

“Yun ang dahilan at isa ding dahilan ay yung nakaraang Taal eruption pero consistent ‘yung sa COVID-19 na dahilan kung bakit bumababa yung ating passengership.”

Meanwhile, Cabrera added that thermal scanners to be used in ascertaining the body temperatures of riders are now ready for delivery. “Nagpabili na sila, today ma-idedeliver na. Today or tomorrow ma-iimplement na.”