Malacañang said only a handful of routes in Metro Manila experienced disruptions amid the ongoing transport group strike on Monday, March 6

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said this as various transport groups flocked to different parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) to protest the phase-out of public utility vehicles (PUVs), particularly the traditional jeepney.

In a statement, Garafil said that through the Libreng Sakay program, the government had provided free rides for commuters affected by the transport group strike. She likewise assured the public that the government has enough assets and personnel to respond to the needs of the commuting public.

The Palace official cited reports from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

As of 10 a.m., the EDSA Busway Carousel has not been impacted by any transport strike activity, with operations running smoothly with a low passenger volume observed at all stations.

PNP personnel have also facilitated ferrying affected passengers from Almar Subdivision in Caloocan going to Quezon City.

Authorities are also deploying vehicles to cater to passengers at the Dapitan-Baclaran route.

As early as 4 a.m., the government prepositioned buses for Libreng Sakay in Pasay City, Marikina City, Caloocan City, and Quezon City.

Based on a report around 7:15 a.m., the EDSA Busway is still operating normally with a moderate to heavy volume of passengers at the southbound from north sector stations, MCU and Roosevelt.

Authorities said it had been addressed, noting they have sufficient buses on the ground to transport stranded passengers.

In Calabarzon at around 6 a.m., authorities reported the condition at SM-Crossing Calamba Terminal in the City of Calamba in Laguna.

They reported around 30 stranded passengers in the terminal, adding jeepneys plying the Calamba- Biñan route are in normal operation. Modern jeeps plying the Calamba-Pacita Complex route are also in regular operation.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

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