I just think back to the security briefing guides that we got when we arrived in Subic years ago. I remember them specifically recommending that we do NOT take public transportation, under any circumstances. Avoid buses, trains, and ferrys. Only take taxi's from approved vendors, and never get in a cab if there is someone with the driver. Good common sense advise when living and working abroad. So why is it now ok to disregard that sound advice? Why did we have that protection in the first place? Perhaps because in today's world, there is the possibility of harm coming to people who ride public transportation. A big risk in Hong Kong and China? Maybe not. At this time. But who knows what the future holds. Not to mention having this protection taken away from us, and having, possibly train rides scheduled in Europe, or India? Attacks on trains are not all that uncommon in some of those places. Even Japan. Remember the serin attacks in Tokyo, not too long ago? Bombings in Spain? Ferrys sink in the South China and Philippine sea on a fairly regular basis. Bombs on buses, very common.
The provision to prevent crews from travelling on buses and trains was put there for a reason. To protect the crewmembers. Why give up that protection, just to help the company dig itself out of an ever increasing deep hole. If the 3 to 4 hour taxi ride is unsat, as is safe public transportation, then make it a deadhead domicile, and keep the crews on approved, safe, protected air transportation. Like we have always done.

Something to think about......for the long term.

And also a big no for the blank check to the MEC chair, whoever is sitting in it.