By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Commuters struggling with heavy rains and flooding across Metro Manila can avail themselves of free rides on selected routes Tuesday as the government moves to ease transportation difficulties caused by the southwest monsoon, or habagat.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the free rides will run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on August 18, covering both directions of designated routes.
The free-ride service will be available along these routes:
- Quiapo–Fairview
- Lawton–Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX)
- Divisoria–Cubao via Nagtahan
- Baclaran–Monumento via Taft
- Lawton–Muntinlupa (Starmall)
- Heritage–Market! Market!
- Monumento–PITX via the Busway
- Kalentong–Pasig
- Buendia–Makati Avenue
- Quiapo–Commonwealth
- Marikina–Cubao
- Sta. Mesa–Quezon Avenue via Araneta
- Baclaran–Sucat
- Divisoria–Monumento
The DOTr said buses participating in the initiative will carry “LIBRENG SAKAY” signs to make them easily identifiable to commuters.
There will be no fixed terminals for the free-ride buses. Instead, the vehicles will continuously operate along their assigned routes.
Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the government will deploy 43 vehicle assets for the emergency transport initiative.
The deployment will be supported by several government agencies, including the Office of the President, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Department of Energy, Department of Labor and Employment and Philippine Army.
The measure comes as heavy rains from the habagat continue to disrupt transportation and daily activities in parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Malacañang ordered government offices in 15 areas to adopt alternative work arrangements Tuesday because of the inclement weather.
The areas covered are Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna and Occidental Mindoro.
With flooding affecting several areas, the free-ride program is intended to provide commuters with an additional transport option while weather-related disruptions persist.
ia/xf
