THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started deploying buses that offered free rides to stranded passengers along Commonwealth-Litez in Quezon City.
The initiative was started in order to address commuter woes due to lack of public utility buses in the area.
Starting today, April 8, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the agency deployed six buses and two military trucks to accommodate stranded passengers. The buses would ferry stranded passengers every morning from 5 am-8 am going to Welcome Rotunda.
“We received reports that passengers are waiting for buses along the road itself. We will deploy our Libreng Sakay buses as long as it is needed to help the public on their daily commute.”
Artes said the free rides are temporary so the MMDA will sit down with concerned agencies and authorities to provide a long-term solution to ease the burden of the passengers.
“We are looking for a long-term solution and will coordinate with city bus operators and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Department of Transportation for a long-term solution to increase the number of PUBs plying Commonwealth Avenue,” he added.
Artes also noted the lack of PUBs must be addressed before June in anticipation of the possible resumption of face-to-face classes.
For her part, Mercy Sta. Maria, President of the United Mega Manila Bus Consortium, vowed to help the MMDA and committed to augment the deployment of buses.
Artes likewise appealed to commuters to exercise orderliness and discipline so that traffic flow will not be hampered.
“By providing them additional public transportation, we can keep them off the road to lessen impact on traffic and keep them safe, as well.”