SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority has logged 589 emergency transports during its Super Typhoon Sinlaku activation and is operating Call-A-Ride Saipan on an essential-trips-only basis as recovery continues, the agency said Wednesday.
The 589 transports cover the activation window from April 10 through 6 a.m. Wednesday. Medical transports led the count at 372, followed by 133 shelter transports, 52 airport transports, 18 military-related transports and 14 other transports, COTA said.
The figure represents an increase of 53 transports since the agency’s previous tally, which had reported 536 transports through 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Call-A-Ride Saipan, or CARS, is currently limited to essential trips including hemodialysis, prescription refills, clinic visits and scheduled appointments, COTA said. Demand Response services remain available for transport to relief and recovery sites.
Call-A-Ride Rota and Call-A-Ride Tinian are both fully operational. Reservations for either service can be made by calling 670-236-2682.
Fixed Route Blue Line 1B continues to operate under modified service hours, running from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week. With some bus stop signs still missing along the route, COTA asked riders to raise a hand to flag down drivers as the bus approaches.
The agency said it remains activated to support the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Operations Center for shelter transportation and other recovery transportation needs.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue working to restore all services,” COTA said. “We will continue to provide updates as conditions improve.”
