SAIPAN – The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority has provided 1,094 transports for shelterees, first responders and residents with medical needs since activating its Super Typhoon Sinlaku emergency operation on April 10, with medical transports accounting for most of the 24-hour increase, the agency reported Wednesday.
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. Wednesday, May 20, the agency logged 684 medical transports, 295 shelteree transports, 52 airport transports, 45 other transports and 18 military transports. The total climbed by 42 from Tuesday morning, with medical rides accounting for 36 of the new transports.
Service status across COTA’s lines is unchanged from Tuesday. Call-A-Ride Rota and Call-A-Ride Tinian remain fully operational, with reservations available at 670-236-2682. Call-A-Ride Saipan continues to operate 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.
Reservations and information are available at 670-236-2682.
