Long-distance flights and buses return, but only for essentials

The national government announced yesterday that long-distance transportation flights and buses are being re-enabled, although only essential users and those who need to undergo medical treatment will be able to travel.

In addition, the provinces still need to agree with the National Transportation Regulation Commission (CNRT) and the National Civil Aviation Administration (Anac) on the issue of ratings, which are borne by the authorities of each jurisdiction.

In the case of Córdoba, the provincial government hoped that a resolution would be published indicating how the procedure is. They also expect details on the scope of the measure, since six departments are included as within the “social, preventive and mandatory isolation (Aspo)” by the presidential decree that on Monday paved the way for the return of trips.

The decree establishes this possibility for jurisdictions that are in “distancing”, which would not allow, in principle, the opening of the Ambrosio Taravella airport or the Córdoba Terminal, since the Capital department is located in Aspo.

But flights could arrive at the Río Cuarto airport, for example, and at the bus terminals that are located in towns that are not in the departments of Punilla, Santa María, Colón, Tercero Arriba and San Martín.

Provincial sources also indicated that, despite this decision, the sanitary conditions are not in place for interurban transport to work again, which has been paralyzed since last April.

Announcements

The national government, through the Ministry of Transportation, enabled the resumption of transportation on regular passenger flights for domestic and international, and long-distance bus and train services.

All this, “through the implementation of safe protocols and procedures that will be agreed between the National Civil Aviation Administration, the National Transport Regulation Commission and the provincial authorities, in line with the sanitary decisions of the Ministry of Health”, they reported from the national government.

The measure was announced by Ministers Mario Meoni (Transport), Matías Lammens (Tourism) and Sabrina Frederic (Security).

In this regard, Meoni, stated that “in this first stage, those who are authorized to use the services are those established by the current DNU as essential workers and for health reasons for people who require medical attention together with their companions if it were necessary”.

Regarding long-distance buses, the national official stated that “the frequency will grow gradually.”

“We empowered the CNRT to enable those frequencies to the different provinces and depending on whether each province accepts the determined income,” he said.

In that sense, he explained that the corresponding resolutions are being finalized to enable the frequencies from today or tomorrow, depending on the publication in the Official bulletin. “These frequencies will be covered according to demand and epidemiological possibilities because we have given the provincial authorities the authorization powers, as requested by the President, understanding that there is an absolutely federal perspective. We understand that everything is ready so that we can happily resume in Argentina the possibility of having connectivity ”, added Meoni.

Users who use interjurisdictional transport services on regular passenger flights for cabotage and international and bus and long-distance train services must require medical attention or possess the Unique Enabling Certificate for Circulation-Emergency Covid-19.

It was also indicated that the Anac, the CNRT and the provincial authorities will be in charge of agreeing on the safe protocols and the schedule of procedures to be carried out by air operators, in line with the Ministry of Health.