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5 commuting hacks in the new normal
With
the holidays over, thousands of Filipinos are coming back from their hometowns
or simply traveling to get to work.
If
you are one of these commuters, please remember that the pandemic is not yet
over, and strict health protocols are still in place. However, there are ways
for you to be able to get to your destination safely. AXA Philippines, one of the
country’s leading insurance providers, is here to give you some tips on just
that.
Prepare
for cashless payments. Many transport services have implemented
cashless paying schemes as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 virus.
For example, ride-hailing apps only accept bookings if you will pay through
your e-wallet or credit or debit cards. Also, trains and some buses only allow
passengers to ride if they have a reloadable contactless smart card. To
avoidany hassle, make sure that you have the necessary apps and cards. But if
you have to pay with cash, it’s best to prepare the exact amount to lessen
physical contact.
Always
bring your essentials. When you take public transportation, you may
be at risk and be exposed to many strangers. Remember to always protect
yourself by properly wearing your face mask and face shield. It’s also best to
bring a spray bottle of alcohol and a pack of sanitary wipes to not only clean
your hands, but to also sanitize handrails, windows, and other surfaces in a
public vehicle.
Check
required travel documents. Since regions in the country are under
different levels of quarantine, some places may have stricter policies and
health measures than others. This means that some cities may require you to
present certain documents prior to entry. These may include a travel pass
issued by municipal offices or city chief of police, medical certificate,
company ID, and a negative RT-PCR result. Because of this, make sure to do your
research before traveling and prepare whatever is necessary.
Keep
yourself entertained. If you’re going to ride the train, a bus, or
a van service, expect the lines to be long. Since these modes of transportation
can’t operate at full capacity, you probably have to wait in line for a long
time. So, fight the boredom and frustration by keeping yourself entertained.
Before you leave the house, you can download movies or a television series that
you can binge-watch on your phone as you wait in line. You can also create a
music playlist, listen to podcasts, install new games, or bring a pocketbook to
help you pass the time.
Avoid
talking and eating. When in public transportation, refrain from
talking or eating as this will require you to open your mouth or take off your
mask. Conversations can wait until you are indoors and no longer around
strangers. Likewise, make sure that you eat before you leave the house so that
you won’t get hungry while travelling.
Have
an emergency contact. When you’re on the road, regardless if you
are commuting or riding a private car, it’s best to have someone to reach out
to in case of emergencies. To help with this, AXA Philippines has Rescue Line,
a special service accessible through the Emma by AXA app that provides 24/7
freeaccess to emergency response such as roadside assistance, police, and
ambulance anytime, anywhere. With just a few taps, professional help may be requested,and
your loved ones will be simultaneously notified of your emergency situation and
current location. What's more, AXA has also enhanced its emergency response
services with Rescue Line’s geotag feature which can help pinpoint your
location faster and more accurately. You may download Emma by AXA via App Store
and Google Play and register or create your account, even if you are not yet an
AXA insurance policyholder.
For
more information about AXA Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/rescue-line.
