DOTr agencies, MMDA all set for ‘Undas’

Transportation agencies are set for the expected influx of passengers and the heavy traffic volume that comes with this year’s observance of “Undas” (All Saints Day and All Souls Day).

Transport Assistant Secretary Emanuel Gonzales, who heads the Department of Transportation’s “Oplan Undas 2018,” said they have been ready for the influx of “Undas” passengers and commuters since Oct. 20.

“Everything is handa po since October 20 pa. On Oct. 15 po nagpalabas na po ang DOTr based on the directive of Secretary (Arthur) Tugade ng memorandum directing all agencies and offices of DOTr to come up with their own implementing plan based on the operational plan of “Biyaheng Ayos 2018,” Gonzales said in a press conference.

Gonzales said DOTr offices and all attached agencies will be fully operational round-the-clock and will be properly-manned for “Undas.”

“The DOTr offices will be fully operational during this particular season, in-implement po namin yung 24/7 operation ng each agencies. That includes yung main office ng DOTr, and terminals, and centers. Bukas po yan, at properly-manned,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales also said that DOTr agencies have their own respective hotlines through which commuters can relay their concerns. He added that the DOTr is ready to send advisories should there be emergencies.

“As i’ve said we have always opened our DOTr website and social media so lahat po kayo pwedeng magbukas. Always ready po ang DOTr to send advisories. in case of emergencies, lagi po kaming magbibigay ng advisories,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jim Sydiongco, Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), said they have heightened security measures in airports for “Undas” starting Oct. 27.

He added that all leaves of employees and officials of the CAAP were also canceled to prepare for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

READ: CAAP cancels all leaves for ‘Undas’

For his part, Road Transport Officer-In-Charge Undersecretary Mark De Leon said the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has started inspecting buses at terminals and checking if there are sufficient franchises.

Meanwhile, Railways Undersecretary Timothy John Batan assured that operations of the Metro Rail System 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transport 1 and 2 (LRT1, LRT-2) train lines will be normal.

READ: Normal operations for MRT, LRT-2, LRT-1 during ‘Undas’

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said there will also be help desks at ports and terminals to provide assistance for “Undas.”

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has canceled all leaves of employees for “Undas” to help manage the volume of traffic during the long “Undas” break.

READ: MMDA cancels leaves of employees for ‘Undas’

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is also urging shipping companies on Saturday to conduct a safety inspection of their vessels.

Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal affirmed that they are ready for the influx of passengers in the airports. /muf

READ: Miaa ready for Undas break — Monreal

READ: CAAP cancels all leaves for ‘Undas’

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