Public transport busted for breaking Phase 3 virus prevention measures

Merida, Yucatan — Two taxi cabs, six combi vans and one public bus were cited Friday by authorities for violating Phase-3 distancing rules that began that day.

The vans and the bus were seized by the municipal Mobility and Urban Development department and sent to the city vehicle depot, reported the newspaper La Verdad.

The new laws also restrict passengers in private cars and ride-share vehicles, such as Uber. The controversial measures are meant to stem the spread of coronavirus, which in Yucatan has so far killed 23 people in 20 days.

Inspectors found buses and vans were overcrowded with passengers. Aisle seats should be left vacant under new state guidelines.

Drivers and passengers are also required to wear face masks to protect others. Drivers also must constantly apply disinfectant to buttons, handles and anything else that passengers touch.

Violators are subject to heavy fines.

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