The Department of Transportation is offering free rides to commuters as drivers mount a transport strike over rising fuel prices. Photo from the Department of Transportation - Philippines Facebook page
MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is offering free rides for passengers on Monday, September 28, as drivers mount a transport strike amid soaring fuel prices.
'Hindi na po talaga kaya': Transport workers stage protest in Quezon City over soaring fuel costs
The rides are available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the following routes:
-Quiapo to Fairview and vice versa
-Quiapo to Welcome Rotonda and vice versa
-Nagtahan to Cubao and vice versa
-Cubao to Fairview and vice versa
-Galleria to Taytay and vice versa
"Naka-deploy ang ating vehicle assets para matiyak na tuloy-tuloy ang biyahe ng mga komyuter. Maiwasan na ma-stranded ang mga pasahero sa kabila ng transport strikes ngayong araw," said Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
The DOTr said the free rides are being offered in partnership with the Office of the President, Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), Department of Energy (DOE) at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Transport group Manibela and various groups took to the streets in Quezon City early Monday to stage a protest, voicing out deep struggles over the continuous surge in oil prices. The drivers noted that their shrinking incomes leave them with barely anything to bring home to their families.
LTFRB warns vs. prolonged halt in operations amid transport strikes