MMDA to deploy buses for stranded passengers during transport strike

FILE – Jeepney operators and drivers halts traffic along Espana in Manila, during a nationwide transport strike lead by Piston, in a bid to stop the phasing out of jeepneys, through the government’s public utility vehicle modernization plan. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said it will offer free bus rides to commuters who would be stranded in the planned transport strike next week.

“The (four buses) will be deployed in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, Highway Patrol Group and the Philippine National Police and other government agencies,” said MMDA Assistant General Manager Jojo Garcia.

On Tuesday, the transport militant group Piston announced it will hold its fourth protest against the rollout of the government’s jeepney modernization program on Dec 4 and 5.

Garcia said the P2P buses will be deployed so that commuters will not feel the effect of the transport strike.

The protest seeks to oppose the government’s planned phaseout of jeepneys which would fail in the vehicle inspection test starting January 1, 2018, said Piston’s national president George San Mateo in a previous report.

Garcia said it is up to Malacañang whether to suspend classes and work on transport strike days, but “the agency will work to support Malacañang in their decision.”

“The one talking to [Piston] is LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board). [MMDA] will assist in traffic and help in [providing] vehicles,” he added.

MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos also reminded those participating in the transport strike that the PUV modernization is “all about the commuters.”

“We need to finally give respect to our commuters and provide public transport that dignifies the riding public by giving them safe, convenient and efficient public transport,” he added.