Makati revives free MRT shuttle services

The free shuttle services offered by the Makati City government to Metro Rail Transit (MRT) passengers from Quezon City to Ayala Avenue resumed on Tuesday after a one-day interruption.

This was after acting Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña held a dialogue with the drivers who work for the city government on a contractual basis.

On Monday, the four buses and two coasters which usually ferry 600 passengers from the North Avenue station to Makati City and vice versa did not operate, prompting criticisms from suspended Mayor Junjun Binay’s camp.

Peña, however, clarified that he did not order the shuttle services halted and explained that the drivers did not report for work after their contracts as casual employees lapsed last week. In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, Peña said the city government had renewed the contracts of the shuttle drivers.

“I assured them that all their contracts would continue as I have earlier said that I would remove only ghost employees from city hall,” he added.

He also expressed his plan to expand the shuttle service, this time to serve Makati residents traveling to other parts of the city or other areas 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 J.P. Rizal,” Peña said, adding that workers and students would benefit from the move.