Day 2: More Buses Ease Transport Woes

Transport authorities deployed more buses yesterday to prevent a repeat of the previous day’s scenario, wherein thousands of commuters returning to work on the first day of the general community quarantine (GCQ) were stranded along Metro Manila’s major roads.

- Marc Jayson Cayabyab

Transportation Assistant Secretary Albert Suansing told “The Chiefs” on One News Monday night that hundreds of buses would be deployed to ferry passengers along major roads in Metro Manila.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spokesperson Celine Pialago said 16 buses served commuters along Commonwealth Avenue yesterday and another 14 were deployed to provide free rides.

Aside from buses, the local government of Quezon City and the military deployed trucks and utility vehicles to accommodate passengers.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed 48 trucks and buses to the MMDA, which the agency can use to augment the transport needs of commuters in the National Capital Region.

MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said more bus routes will be identified in the coming days to address the needs of the commuting public.

“We cannot just provide free rides every day. We need to address the needs of the commuters. Special permits will be given to allow for more temporary bus routes,” Garcia said.

Public utility buses and modern jeepneys will be allowed on the road on reduced passenger capacity during the second phase of GCQ starting on June 22, Garcia said.

Shuttle for employees

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade urged employers to provide shuttle service for their employees.

“The Duterte administration is appealing to the employers to please, do not order all your employees to return to work, only 50 percent should report to work based on what we agreed upon,” Tugade said in Filipino during a press briefing in Malacañang yesterday.