MMDA deploys free bus rides for commuters on Commonwealth-Litex

To address the plight of commuters due to the lack of public utility buses in the area, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started deploying free rides along Commonwealth-Litex in Quezon City.

The agency said that six buses and two military trucks have been deployed every morning from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. since April 8 to accommodate passengers along the aforementioned stretch. According to MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, the vehicles would ferry the commuters to Welcome Rotonda.

"We received reports that passengers are waiting for buses along the road itself. We will deploy our Libreng Sakay buses as long as it is needed to help the public on their daily commute," Artes said in a statement.

While saying that the free rides are temporary, Artes said that the MMDA will discuss the issue to concerned agencies and authorities to create a long-term solution to ease the burden of the passengers.

The MMDA chair noted that the problem needs to be addressed before June in anticipation of the possible resumption of face-to-face classes.

For her part, United Mega Manila Bus Consortium President Mercy Sta. Maria vowed to help the MMDA and committed to augment the deployment of buses.

Meanwhile, Artes appealed to commuters to exercise orderliness and discipline so that traffic flow will not be hampered.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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