Manila LGU deploys 50 vehicles to assist commuters amid transport strike
Photo from Juan Carlo de la Vela/MANILA BULLETIN
Around 50 vehicles were deployed by the local government of Manila to assist commuters amid the three-day transport strike from July 24 to 26. Vehicles from the Manila Police District (MPD), Manila Traffic And Parking Bureau (MTPB), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology- Manila (BJMP) are ready to respond and provide free public transport to help commuters who will be affected by the transport strike. MTPB Chief of Operation Wilson Chan said it deployed public utility buses and over 20 electronic tricycles for the convenience of the commuters, while the MPD assigned 15 mobile patrols to assist passengers who may be stranded. The BJMP also sent its prison buses to provide free rides to commuters from Monumento to Baclaran. The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (DRRMO) also dispatched its three transporters and three pickups to help passengers traveling from Buendia to Divisoria. It said each transporter can serve at least 40 commuters, while each pick-up can carry up to eight passengers. The "Oplan Libreng Sakay" of the city government will operate from 5 a.m. onwards. Other vehicles will be plying the routes from Buendia to Welcome Rotonda, and Mendiola to Divisoria. "Naging malinaw ang tagubilin ni Mayor Honey Lacuna na siguraduhin magiging maayos pa rin ang daloy ng trapiko at siguraduhin na limitadong mga mamayan ang maapektuan sa kilos protesta ng transport groups (Mayor Honey Lacuna's instructions were clear to make sure that the flow of traffic will still be smooth and to make sure that only a few citizens will be affected by the protest action of the transport groups)," the city government said. It also announced the suspension of the expanded number coding scheme in the city on July 24, in line with the State of the Nation Address of President Marcos. Meanwhile, the MPD said at least 40,000 jeepney drivers are expected to join the strike. MPD Chief Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said he would deploy 1,300 personnel to ensure public safety.