A total of 122 vehicles were deployed in Manila to assist commuters amid the three-day transport strike which started on Monday, Nov. 20.
The transport strike by transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) was launched to protest the government’s public utility vehicle modernization plan.
According to the city government, 100 e-tricycles of the Manila Traffic And Parking Bureau (MTPB), six transport trucks from the Manila Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO), and 15 police cabs from the Manila Police District (MPD) were deployed.
These vehicles can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers.
"The city government would provide assistance to stranded passengers as needed, particularly during rush hour traffic. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna- Pangan instructed that the Oplan Libreng Sakay should not deprive public transport vehicles that will not participate in the strike from earning their income.," it added.
The command center of "Oplan Libreng Sakay" is located at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, beside the Manila City Hall and will continuously monitor the affected routes.
As of 12:30 p.m., the MDRRMO served 122 passengers along the routes of Guadalupe to Amasista, and Quezon Blvd. to Cubao, while the MPD accommodated 105 passengers along Quezon Blvd. to Cubao.
Meanwhile, Mayor Honey announced that classes will be not be cancelled despite the transport strike.
Some academic institutions shifted to asynchronous or online classes, starting on Monday.