Makati’s free shuttle buses resume operations

MANILA, Philippines — After a dialogue with the drivers of the free shuttle service provided to passengers coming from North Avenue in Quezon City to Makati City’s central business district, acting mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña said that the service returned to normal operations Tuesday.

On Monday, the four buses and two coasters, which usually ferried 600 passengers daily to the city starting 6 a.m. were not seen picking up passengers near Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. This raised a concern from the camp of suspended mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, who claimed that stopping the free shuttle services for MRT communters “is proof that the callous and failed leadership of the Liberal Party is what guides Vice Mayor Peña [in his post].”

Peña clarified that he did not issue any directive and explained that the buses and coasters did not operate on Monday as the drivers’ contracts as casual employees had lapsed.

In an interview with members of the media on Tuesday morning, the acting mayor said that the city government has renewed the contracts of the drivers of the six vehicles.

“I assured them that all their contracts will continue as I have earlier said that I will only remove ghost employees from the City Hall,” Peña added.

He also announced his plan to expand the number of free shuttle buses, this time to service Makati residents traveling to other parts of the city or going to other cities in Metro Manila.

“We are planning to have these free shuttles take main routes and stop at major destinations in the city like Makati Avenue and JP Rizal,” Peña explained noting that workers and students would greatly benefit from this. SFM