MMDA deploys vehicles, offers free rides during transport strike

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) deployed light-duty trucks and buses to provide free rides to passengers affected by the three-day strike of transport groups, which starts Monday.

MMDA’s advisory indicated that as of 7 a.m., November 20, the agency deployed vehicles in the following areas:

• Route: Ligaya Westbound (Pasig-Marikina)
• Two light-duty trucks
• One city bus
• Route: Monumento-Acacia-Malabon
• One city bus
• One light-duty truck

It also said that 37 vehicles from the MMDA, Office of the Vice President, Office of the House Speaker, and private bus companies were on standby and ready for deployment.

According to the agency, MMDA chairman Romando Artes has instructed traffic enforcers to prioritize traffic management during the transport strike.

In Manila, there are 122 vehicles on standby from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau, and the Manila Police Department that can accommodate over 1,000 passengers, according to the Manila Public Information Office in a separate advisory.

READ: LTFRB to provide free rides for commuters during 3-day transport strike

Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper led the three-day transport strike at Operators Nationwide (Piston). The jeepney drivers and operators were protesting the approaching December 31 deadline for the consolidation of traditional jeepneys under the government’s public utility vehicles modernization program

READ: PNP to provide free ride; deploys 9,000 cops due to transport strike