Gov’t deploys military trucks for free rides to stranded commuters

Motorist negotiate commonwealth avenue in quezon city as the ndrrmc announce orange rainfall alert in the metropolis. INQUIRER/Grig C. Montegrande

 The government has set out military trucks along certain areas in Metro Manila to provide free rides to commuters got caught in heavy downpour and flooding on Tuesday.

The Joint Quick Response Team (JQRT), composed of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), will provide the free transportation service to stranded passengers.

Commuters from or near the following areas may avail of the free transportation service of JQRT:

• R. Papa Station to Pedro Gil via Taft (two military trucks dispatched)
• Mandaluyong Circle going to EDSA (two military trucks dispatched)
• Batasan going to Fairview (four military trucks dispatched)

Several areas in the National Capital Region and stations of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 have been flooded as heavy monsoon rain continued in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

Operations of the Philippine National Railways were also disrupted due to the prevailing inclement weather.

Classes in Metro Manila and other affected provinces have also been suspended. /kga