Social-distancing measures to be applied in canal boats

By THE NATION

 

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will work with the Marine Department to put in place social-distancing measures in Bangkok’s commuter boats, deputy BMA governor Sakonthee Phatthiyakul said on Friday (April 24).

 

“Owing to the lockdown, the number of passengers on boats plying the Saen Saeb Canal has reduced to 6,000 from 60,000 per day,” he said. “The fewer numbers means it is easier to implement social-distancing measures. The BMA will also take additional steps to ensure passengers’ safety and prevent the spread of Covid-19.

 

 

“We are coordinating with the Marine Department to reorganise waiting areas at Bangkok’s 28 piers to ensure people stand at least a metre apart and use the provided hand-sanitising gel before and after they board the boat,” Sakonthee said.

 

“During rush hour, pier staff have been instructed to keep the number of passengers per boat at 40 to 50, while boat drivers have been instructed to stop at each pier for longer than usual, so passengers don’t rush and create a bottleneck at the boat’s entrance.”

 

 

Sakonthee added that the government may consider relaxing restrictions in the capital in coming weeks, which will see more people using boats to commute.

 

“BMA will employ additional measures to ensure social distancing is maintained, such as asking operators to provide extra boats during rush hour,” he said.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30386714

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-04-24

 

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14 minutes ago, webfact said:

Social-distancing measures to be applied in canal boats

Do they have to stay one fathom apart?

 

17 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Do they have to stay one fathom apart?

 

Yes, but on busy trips some passengers will need to be keel hauled.

The smartest social distancing you can practice on a canal boat:  stay far away from those Chinese-built inboard motors.  They have a tendency to explode.