MADRID, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The use of public transport in Spain fell drastically in March due to COVID-19, according to data released by the Spanish Statistical Office (INE) on Wednesday.

The figure dropped by 53 percent in comparison with the same period last year as a consequence of the State of Alarm, which imposed a virtual lockdown on the country and came into effect on March 15 to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

The use of metropolitan transport within cities fell by 54.7 percent, with a 56.7-percent reduction of passengers using buses in the Spanish capital city of Madrid.

This was accompanied by a 52.4-percent drop in the number of people using inter-city transport, with a 50.1-percent decrease in bus travel, the use of trains down 54.1 percent and a 59.8-percent reduction in air travel.

Spanish Civil Guards confirmed Tuesday that they were investigating complaints from passengers who flew the airline Iberia Express on a flight between Madrid and the island of Gran Canaria on Sunday.

A video taken from inside of the aircraft and widely broadcast on Spanish TV networks showed the plane almost completely full with no space reserved between travelers to allow the recommended two-meter social distancing.

The airline has responded with a communique, insisting it had met with the government guidelines. Enditem

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