MMDA to allow PUVs to divert to other routes

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) promises to send all available MMDA units and allow public utility vehicles (PUVs) to divert from their original routes to service stranded commuters if the planned nationwide transport strike of the Pinagkaisang Tsuper at Operaytors Nationwide (PISTON) pushes through tomorrow.

In the agency’s weekly program, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando stressed that to soften the impact of the strike, they would allow drivers of passenger buses, FX taxi units and jeepneys, who are not joining the strike to ply outside their regular route. MMDA vehicles, he said, will also be available to assist the commuting public.

But when asked if he would also order the temporary suspension of the color-coding scheme for public and private vehicles, the MMDA chief said he could not yet decide on it.

He disclosed that they would have to first assess the situation before making an announcement. He said PISTON’s threat to paralyze the public transport sector would only have a minimal impact.

Fernando, however, promised to send out traffic enforcers, armed with still and moving cameras, to take pictures of jeepney drivers who would be violating the law. He said protesters are prohibited from harassing or putting pressure on fellow drivers to support their cause. They should also not create roadblocks and place obstructions or spikes on the road.

He said that based on observation from previous strikes, commuters still manage to go home despite shortage in passenger jeepneys.

In the past few days, PISTON had been threatening to launch a three-day strike to pressure the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to give in to their demand for a P1 provisional fare hike and rollback of oil prices.

However, it has been reported that the planned strike was shortened to just two days, beginning on Tuesday.

But Fernando said that the militant transport group may not be able to sustain the two-day strike. "Baka di tumagal ng dalawang araw yan. Baka nga kalahating araw lang yan. (It may not last for two days. Perhaps it can only last for half a day.) If they want to deliver a message to the government, it would only take half a day para malaman kung tanggap ng tao ang posisyon nila o kung napansin ba sila (to know if the people will accept their position or if they will get attention.)"