SAIPAN – The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority has transported more than 885 shelterees, first responders, medical patients, military personnel and others in support of the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Operations Center since Super Typhoon Sinlaku activated emergency transportation operations.
The COTA service update, issued Thursday and current as of 6 a.m. Friday, reported the breakdown of the 885 transports from April 10 to May 15. Medical patients accounted for 566, the largest single category, followed by shelterees at 213, airport-related transports at 52, those classified as others at 36, and military personnel at 18.
COTA said the office remains activated to support HSEM for shelter transportation and other transportation needs during recovery.
Call-A-Ride Rota and Call-A-Ride Tinian are both fully operational, and reservations can be made by calling (670) 236-2682.
Call-A-Ride Saipan is operating for essential trips only, including hemodialysis, prescription refills, clinic visits and scheduled appointments. Demand Response services are also available for transport to relief and recovery sites.
Fixed Route Blue Line 1B is operational under modified service hours, running Sunday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. With some bus stop signs still missing in the aftermath of the storm, COTA is asking riders to raise a hand to flag down drivers before the bus arrives.
COTA said the office appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as it continues to work to restore all services. Additional updates will be provided as conditions improve. The service update was issued through the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
For more information, customers can visit transit.cnmi.gov, follow @transitcnmi, or call (670) 236-2682.
