SAIPAN – The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority has provided 1,052 transports for shelterees, first responders and residents with medical needs since activating its Super Typhoon Sinlaku emergency operation on April 10, the agency reported Tuesday.
COTA, which operates under the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor, remains activated in support of the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Operations Center for shelter transportation and other recovery transportation needs.
From April 10 through 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, the agency logged 648 medical transports, 293 shelteree transports, 52 airport transports, 41 other transports and 18 military transports.
Service status across COTA’s lines varies as the recovery continues. Call-A-Ride Rota and Call-A-Ride Tinian are both fully operational, with reservations available at 670-236-2682. Call-A-Ride Saipan is operating for essential trips only, including hemodialysis appointments, prescription refills, clinic visits and scheduled appointments. Demand Response service from Call-A-Ride Saipan is also available for transport to relief and recovery sites.
The Blue Line 1B fixed route is operating under modified hours, running Sunday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. With some bus stop signs still missing along the route, COTA asked riders to raise their hand to flag down drivers before the bus arrives.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue working to restore all services,” the agency said in its update. “We will continue to provide updates as conditions improve.”
