FREE BOARD / JUNE 15, 2022 Commuters can use the free board shuttle from Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange to Buendia. —RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday proposed its plans to ensure a “safe and efficient” experience for the commuting public, particularly for students scheduled to return to personal classes five days a week on Nov. 2.
DOTr chief Jaime Bautista convened a meeting with various concerned agencies to discuss current transportation problems and draft plans that will provide commuters with safe and adequate public transportation.
“We need to work together to provide an accessible, affordable, comfortable, and safe travel experience to the passengers, especially the students,” Bautista said in a statement.
(We must work together to provide an accessible, affordable, comfortable, and safe travel experience for passengers, especially students.)
DOTr Undersecretary for Road and Transport Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor also noted that Bautista instructed the department’s road sector to “strengthen our plans and initiatives to ensure safe and efficient public transportation services amid increasing demand of passengers. ”
“It not only raises our concern, but also the safety of the students,” he added.
(Supply is not only our concern, but also the safety of students.)
The road sector recommends the following measures:
- Improving the deployment of public utility vehicles (PUVs) through the establishment and implementation of compliance with Service Plans. Operators must deploy 90 to 100 percent of their authorized PUVs during peak hours;
- Opening up additional routes that may be deemed necessary, including the reinstatement of city bus routes prior to the pandemic, specifically those not passing through EDSA;
- Fast tracking of fare review;
- Analysis of non-operational routes and introduction of development routes;
- Offers a ‘Free Ride’ program for students on train lines and EDSA Busway; and,
- Extending another two years, the life span of school services to reach the 15-year maximum limit before December 2022
Meanwhile, as part of the Metro Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) preparations, the agency said it will deploy 2,238 personnel on major roads and within high-density schools in Metro Manila. A total of 581 traffic enforcers will also be sent to 148 schools in the capital region.
According to the agency, four MMDA buses and two military trucks have been deployed for free rides. From Monday to Saturday, its Pasig River Service will offer riders free of charge at its 13 stations.
DOTr has already announced its initial programs before the expected resumption of in-person classes, including the continued implementation of the Service Contracting Program (SCP), Free Ride Program, and the rapid monitoring of the rationalization of public routes. vehicle. – Nicole Faye Agcaoili, INQUIRER.net intern
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