Motoring Today Column

Jun 09, 2021

We're back to the point where authorities are easing travel and movement restrictions.

On one hand it's a good thing. The economy needs a shot in the arm as much as people need to be inoculated against the Covid-19 virus.

On the other hand, we've seen this before. After restrictions were eased, Covid-19 cases rose, hospitals again experienced lack of beds, and authorities again had to tighten restrictions in areas where cases rose precipitously.

And again the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has called for stricter enforcement of public transportation protocols meant to help prevent more infections.

Public transport is seen as a vector in the spread of the contagion, especially with reports that public utility vehicle drivers are flouting health protocols.

It feels like the DOTr is just cutting and pasting stuff from earlier press releases, like this Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade quote: "I am reminding our PUV drivers and operators that they are the government's partners in the fight against COVID-19. Their participation in this fight is crucial as they are the ones on the frontlines. They should not just ensure that their vehicles are sanitized all the time, but must also be constantly reminding passengers of the need to observe basic health protocols."

Or this: "Failure by the driver and the operator to enforce these health and safety protocols could possibly lead to the suspension or revocation of their franchise, as these can be considered breaches of their franchise conditions. Kung wala namang physical distancing, overloading 'yan."

On hand exhorting PUV drivers to do good, and on the other warning about sanctions.

But if the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are making effort to come down hard on recalcitrant drivers and PUV operators, we sure haven't seen or heard of it in the news or on social media.

Unless more people-especially commuters and PUV drivers and operators-take it upon themselves to protect themselves and others from the spread of the infection, many fear we'll be stuck in this cycle of easing and tightening of restrictions, along with the rise and fall of Covid cases.

Trains A'Coming

Meanwhile, the DOTr can't seem to stop crowing about the trains. This time it's the trains already ordered and soon to be delivered for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project.

The trains are supposed to be arriving by Christmas time.

Also soon to arrive is the training simulator for thePNR Clark Phase 1 project, a part of theNSCR project. Tugade said ETA is between September and October.

Already, the PNR Clark Phase 1 Project, a38-kilometer railway to run from the Tutuban Station in Manila through the cities of Caloocan, Valenzuela and the municipalities of Meycuayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto and to end in Malolos, Bulacan, is halfway complete.

After this should come the PNR Clark Phase 2, a 54-kilometer rail line, which will connect Malolos, Bulacan and Clark, Pampanga.

When both projects are completed, there will be aAirport Express that will see people going from Makati to the Clark International Airport in an hour's time.

Suzuki Roadshow

The Suzuki Auto Festival Virtual Roadshow had another round at the last month.

The two-day virtual roadshow offered games, promos, and other exciting programs enjoyed by Suzuki's loyal customers and patrons, as well as many new fans and followers of Suzuki vehicles.

"As much as we, in the Suzuki family, would like to once again experience the interaction and human element that the Suzuki Auto Festival has been known for in previous years; our top priority in the midst of this current pandemic is everyone's continued safety," said Keiichi Suzuki, general manager and vice president of Suzuki Auto Philippines .

"Thank you to our loyal customers that continue to support us amidst these trying times and continue to Champion the Suzuki Way of Life!"

Active Honda

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is among the more active auto distributor in coming up with new promos.

Honda was relatively quiet during the height of the pandemic last year, and seems to be making up for lost time.

This month, HCPI rolled out more "Race to Great Deals" promos, offering cash discounts from P10,000 for the 2021 CR-CV S Diesel 9AT to P180,000 for the 2019 Civic Type R 2.0 L Turbo MT.

The June Race to Great Deals also includedAll-in Dowpayment schemes from as low asP10,000 for the 2021 All New City 1.5 S CVT and the 2021 BR-V 1.5 S CVT to just P83,000 for the 2021 HR-V 1.8 RS Navi CVT.

Honda has also come up the "Season Ending Summer Special" which offers great parts and accessories deals at select Honda Cars dealerships and service centers.

These include, among other great deal, a 20 percent discount on select genuine parts, lubricants, fluids, and accessories.

Maxus-BPI Partnership

Maxus Philippines is partnering with the Bank of the Philippine Islands to offer flexible financing with low monthly and low down payment schemes on its models and make owning a British-bred vehicle more accessible.

These include, among other offerings, P150,000 off from the P1,190,000 suggested retail price for the Maxus V80 2.5 MT Flex van; P80,000 off from the P1,790,000 SRP of the G10 1.9 AT Elite van; P20,000 off from the P1,168,000 SRP of the G50 1.5 AT Elite MPV.

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments & inquiries:

(email) sunshine.television@yahoo.com

(website) www.motoringtoday.ph