MMDA gives free ride to stranded MRT commuters

MANILA, Philippines — In a bid to help thousands of commuters affected by glitches in the operations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has dispatched three military trucks to ferry passengers for free.

The free rides travel from EDSA to Mother Ignacia and from EDSA to Ayala Avenue southbound.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the trucks are being dispatched daily from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m.

"Two trucks are dedicated for passengers coming from the EDSA– Mother Ignacia area, while one truck services the entire stretch of Ayala going to EDSA," he said.

The "Libreng Sakay" scheme came on the heels of the recent technical problems stalling the operations of the MRT-3 and affecting thousands of passengers, especially during peak hours.

Tolentino said the trucks will provide free rides until today.

"We are continuously looking for ways to provide essential services to the public and at the same time improve traffic situation in the metropolis," Tolentino said.