MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have continued providing free rides to passengers with the deployment of several government vehicles particularly in affected areas amid the transport strike.
“Together with various government agencies, we have deployed our vehicle assets to ensure that commuters’ trips continue uninterrupted and to prevent passengers from being stranded despite today’s transport strikes,” Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez said on Wednesday.
The free ride routes include Quiapo–Fairview, Quiapo–Welcome Rotonda, Nagtahan–Cubao, Cubao–Fairview, and Galleria–Taytay, and vice versa, the DOTr said.
Assisting the DOTr and LTFRB in providing free rides were the Office of the President, Department of Economy, Planning and Development, Department of Energy and Philippine Coast Guard.
This as the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) pushed through with the second day of its transport strike as it demanded the government to address the plight of jeepney drivers at the height of the rising oil prices.
The group, which pressed the government to review existing laws and policies, including the Oil Deregulation Law and the excise tax on fuel, among others, was expected to protest at designated rally points before converging at Welcome Rotonda at 2 p.m. for a march to Mendiola in Manila.
Lopez and acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr, said they have been monitoring the situation as they were prepared to dispatch assistance to commuters affected by the strike.
The two-day transport strike, which would end on Wednesday, has resulted in some universities particularly in Manila to suspend face-to-face classes, it was learned.
Reports from the ground showed that despite the strike, most commuters were still able to find jeepneys operating especially along routes from Cubao in Quezon City to Divisoria and Quiapo in Manila.
