THE three-day transport strike begins today, Monday, November 20, as some routes in the National Capital Region having fewer vehicles or a reduced volume especially of public utility vehicles.
Among those noticed were along Commonwealth Avenue, where there were more passengers than PUVs. Those affected were headed for Cubao.
Students said they usually have to wait just 5-10 minutes but becauseof the strike, it became 30-40 minutes.
“Bago kasi makarating sa Philcoa punuan na. Marami pang nakasabit,” Craig Garcia, a student heading for Cubao Ali Mall said.
But the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said there were no such impacts as the traffic flow and foot traffic are normal especially during the morning rush hours.
“Ang assessment po namin traffic is normal, turnout of passengers is normal. Key areas are only Novaliches, Commonwealth and Pasig. Other than that po normal ang sitwasyon ng trapiko,” LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said.
Special permits were given by the LTFRB to drivers and operators that ply around 12 routes identified by the transport group PISTON.
The Local governments also provided free rides. Some routes are situated not only in Quezon City but also in Manila, Pasig, Pasay, and Laguna.
Guadiz warned that they issue a show cause order to jeepney drivers or operators who will attempt to harass or block those operating on the road to join the strike.
The group PISTON mounted the three-day transport strike. They are protesting the upcoming deadline for the consolidation under the Public Utility Vehicles Modernization project.
Government had explained that the consolidation would make taking out loans from the bank easier for the jeepney units.
LTFRB Chairman Guadiz explained that they have made the consolidation process easier for the operators to comply with before the December 31, 2023 deadline. He said operators no longer need to complete the process but only need to file for consolidation.
