Government offers free rides during transport strike

MANILA, Philippines — Several government agencies are offering free rides to commuters stranded by a transport strike.

 

Last Saturday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board announced that the Joint Quick Response Team composed of the LTFRB, Department of Transportation, and the Metropolitan Manila Development will provide free rides using government vehicles.

 

The MMDA also lifted number coding on other public utility vehicles.

 

In a separate statement, the LTFRB called on interested operators of UV Express, city buses, and inter-regional/provincial buses to assist in transporting stranded commuters.

 

The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) and the Stop and Go Coalition on Monday held a transport strike in relation to the planned 'phasing out' of jeepneys 15 years or older.

 

READ: Classes suspended for transport strike

 

Classes are suspended in elementary and secondary schools in affected areas, while some colleges in Manila opted to cancel classes due to the transport strike.

 

LTFRB member and spokesperson lawyer  Aileen Lizada said in a phone interview with ABS-CBN's "Umagang Kay Ganda" that they are doing their best to address transportation problems.

 

"Kami ho sa Department of Transportation and other agencies, we are doing our best po para hindi ho maapektuhan yung mga ibang passengers sa affected routes po ng Piston and Stop and Go," Lizada said.