Manila offers free rides as Piston goes on strike again

FILE PHOTO: Public utility vehicle drivers protest at a jeepney terminal in Manila. INQUIRER/RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Manila said it is ready to provide free rides to commuters affected by the transportation strike from December 14 to 15.

“Katulad po ng paghahanda ng mga nakalipas na mga tigil-pasada, magmomonitor po ang MDRRMO (Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office), MTPB (Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau), and MPD (Manila Police District),” said local government spokesperson Princess Abante in a Viber message to reporters on Wednesday.

(Like the preparation during past transport strikes, MDRRMO, MTPB, and MPD will monitor.)

“Kasama ang pag-alalay sa mga maaaring ma-stranded na mga pasahero sa pagbibigay ng ‘Libreng Sakay’ kung kakailanganin,” she added.

(It includes supporting stranded passengers by providing a ‘Free Ride’ if needed.)

The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide or Piston launched another strike to protest the Dec. 31 deadline for franchise consolidation and phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday assured the public that it will closely monitor the traffic situation around Metro Manila during the transportation strike, and may also deploy vehicles to offer free rides to affected commuters.

However, the agency said the color coding scheme stays during the two-day protest of jeepney drivers and operators.

The MMDA identified Camanava (Caloocan,Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela) and Parañaque City as crucial points, based on previous strikes.