LIST: Ride assistance for commuters on Monday, September 30
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 29) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has announced they would be deploying additional buses on Monday, September 30, to help commuters during the nationwide transport strike to be carried out by the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO) and the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON).
In a statement released Sunday, LTFRB chief Martin Delgra said, "Kahit maliit lang ang inaasahan nating epekto ng strike bukas, mabuti nang may contingency plan tayo dahil prayoridad natin ang mobility at convenience ng ating commuters."
[Translation: Even if we expect the strike's effect will be minimal, its better if there is a contingency plan because our priority is commuters' mobility and convenience.]
READ: Walang Pasok: Class suspensions on September 30 due to transport strike
Delgra added they aren't just focusing on augmentation, but also on enforcement, should strikers block fellow drivers from plying their routes.
Additional public utility buses will be deployed to the following routes:
* LETRE Malabon via Samson Rd. to Monumento, Caloocan
* Valenzuela via McArthur Highway/Rizal Avenue Avenida to Manila
* 5th Ave. via Rizal Avenue Avenida to Manila
* Monumento via McArthur Highway to Malanday Valenzuela
* Monumento via Samson Road to Navotas
* C3 Dagat-Dagatan via C3 Road to East Bound(going to 5th Avenue)
* 5th Avenue via C3 Road to South/North Bound
* Marikina via Marcos Highway to Angono, Rizal
* Marikina via Aurora Blvd. to Cubao
* Marikina via Manghan to Pasig
* Taft via J.P. Rizal to Guadalupe
* Taft via Pedro Gil to Sta. Ana
* Quezon Avenue via España Quezon Blvd to Quiapo
* RMB via V. Mapa to Plaza Avelino
* Baclaran via Dr. A. Santos to Sucat
* EDSA via Taft Avenue to Manila & Quezon City
* EDSA Heritage via Osmeña Highway to FTI & Alabang
* Parañaque via Quirino, Don Galo Las Piñas, Zapote
* Technohub via Commonwealth LITEX Fairview
* PHILCOA via EDSA to Monumento
* Commonwealth via EDSA to Cubao
* Guadalupe via Kalayaan C5 to C5 Taguig
* Guadalupe via EDSA Cubao & Monumento
* Guadalupe via JP Rizal Extension to Pasig
* Guadalupe via Buendia Gil Puyat to EDSA Taft
* Santolan via EDSA to Monumento
* Santolan via EDSA to Makati
* Santolan via EDSA to EDSA Taft
* Novaliches via Gen. Luis to Dela Rosa
* Dela Rosa via Mc Arthur Malinta
* H K Staging Parañaque via Quirino Don Galo Las Pinas,Zapote
* Robinson’s Fairview via Quirino to Balintawak
The Taguig City government also said they would be providing free rides to commuters on Monday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the following:
Routes
* Bagumbayan to Pasig
* Tipas to Pasig
* FTI to Market Market
* Waterfun to Market Market
* DOST TO East Service Road
* Gate 3 to Market Market
Pickup/Drop off Points
* Arca South
* C5 Water Fun
* Gate 3
* Bagumbayan
* DOST
* Tipas/Napindan
* Sta. Ana
* Tenement
The government’s PUV modernization program, which plans to phaseout old jeepneys and UV Express service vehicles by 2020, has been labelled by transport groups and netizens as ”anti-poor.”
By next year, authorities will only issue franchises to operators with jeeps that have environment-friendly engines as well as security features. The modern jeep costs P1.2 to P1.8 million per unit.
Meanwhile, the Palace also released a statement saying the government will not be "cowed by threats of protests and strikes," adding modernization of the public transportation system was long overdue.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said they were not discouraging the protest, but cautioned drivers and operators from doing anything to endanger the public.
"While we will not dissuade the drivers and operators of public utility vehicles to join the proposed nationwide protest tomorrow, September 30, we caution them, however, to assemble peacefully and not perform acts of violence that will endanger the safety of the general public, as the government will enforce pertinent laws, rules and regulations, including the cancellation of their privileges, such as franchises or certificates of public convenience," he said.
The Philippine National Police likewise said they were prepared to provide security in light of the nationwide strike.
