MMDA to roll out free ride single dispatch system during strike

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday said it will implement a “single dispatch system” for its vehicles deployed for free rides and rescue to avoid competition with other public utility vehicles, as transport groups will stage transport strikes on March 26-27.

The MMDA said that it coordinated with local government units (LGU) in Metro Manila in prepositioning free rides for commuters who will be affected by the transport strike. 

READ: Nationwide transport strike set March 26-27 over rising oil prices

“A single dispatch system will be implemented for rescue vehicles or vehicles offering free rides to avoid competing with drivers who will not join the transport strike,” the MMDA said in a statement.

“If the LGU already dispatched free rides, the MMDA will no longer do this,” MMDA added. 

Aside from this, the agency said that it will activate its Emergency Operations Center to continuously monitor the traffic situation. 

Transport groups composed of jeepney, bus, UV Express, and transport network vehicle drivers will hold a two-day transport strike to call on the government to act on the rising cost of fuel which is directly affecting their livelihood.

Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena on Monday announced that the transport strike will be joined by other drivers and operators of public utility vehicles, motorcycle taxis, and transport network vehicle services. 

Last week, transport group Piston also staged a two-day strike amid the oil price hike to call on the government to abolish the oil deregulation law, implement a rollback in fuel prices, and suspend the value-added tax and excise tax on fuel products. /mr