‘Colorum’ vehicles’ strike strands thousands

Stranded commuters along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City paralyzed by the mass transport strike. Photo by Erwin Aguilon/RADYO INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of commuters in Metro Manila were stranded Thursday after transport groups held a strike to protest the implementation of higher penalties on “colorum” vehicles imposed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Commuters along the stretch of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City endured long lines to wait for public transport that did not join the strike.

“Colorum” vehicles are either unregistered or ply routes which they are unauthorized to take.

A report from Radyo Inquirer 990AM said many were also stranded in parts of Bulacan, Marikina, Pasig, Rizal, Caloocan and Cavite.

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has deployed trucks to give free rides.

Another radio report, however, said the trucks deployed by the MMDA were not enough to accommodate the number of stranded passengers.

On Thursday morning, transport groups assembled at the Quezon City Memorial Circle before proceeding to the offices of the LTFRB along East Avenue and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) in Mandaluyong City.

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