LTFRB vows to provide free rides if groups hold another transport strike

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MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) assured the public it would continue providing free rides to affected commuters if groups held another transport strike.

The LTFRB said it will begin coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to lay down a standard operating procedure for offering free rides to commuters.

“In the event of another transport strike … the LTFRB will coordinate with concerned agencies and LGUs as a standard operating procedure,” it said in a statement Tuesday.

“We will again deploy ‘libreng sakay’ (free ride) vehicles to ferry affected commuters,” it added.

READ: LTFRB says 3 of Piston’s demands ‘doable’ amid transport strike

The agency also urged members of groups participating in the transport strike to allow drivers who wish to operate along their designated routes and not harass them.

“While it is within their rights to hold their protest, we also call on the protesters to avoid harassment of their fellow drivers just to join their strike. Let them serve the commuters and allow them to earn their living,” the LTFRB said.

According to the LTFRB, it is also already coordinating with the Philippine National Police to ensure order during transport strikes.

READ: Looking at the transport strike through the lens of jeepney drivers

Transport groups Piston and Manibela recently conducted separate strikes to register their protest against the December 31 deadline for consolidating traditional public utility jeepneys.

Each transport strike lasted three days, with Piston’s taking place from November 20 to 22 and Manibela’s from November 22 to 24.

In Pampanga, public utility transport groups in Mabalacat and certain areas of nearby Angeles City stopped plying their routes on Tuesday, Nov. 28, leaving hundreds of workers and students stranded.