MANILA — Public utility buses will be taking special trips starting next week to provide an alternative mode of transportation to commuters affected by the ongoing ‘Tanggal Bulok Tanggal Usok’ (TBTU) campaign.
The Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT) is requesting the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for the lifting of the number coding scheme for city buses as it noted that most of the jeepney operators and drivers have either reduced their trips or are repairing their units in order to comply with the guidelines of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).
“Due to the TBTU campaign, colorum jeepneys or those operators and drivers that have dilapidated jeepneys are not plying their routes. Those who have franchises are repairing their units. Thus, there is lack of jeepneys for commuters,” I-ACT spokesperson Aileen Lizada said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Friday.
“While we are doing enforcement, we are working with the MMDA for the lifting of the city bus coding. We will be having special trips next week. They will take temporarily the routes of jeepneys for the passengers to avail them,” she added.
Militant transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) conducted its transport strike last Wednesday to protest the PUVMP and at the same time called for a stop to the on-road inspection of PUVs for roadworthiness.
Among the routes that were affected by the protest action in Metro Manila include Sandigan-Quiapo, Sandigan-Cubao, Guadalupe-Taguig, Malabon-Monumento-Cubao, Navotas-Monumento-Cubao, Philcoa-Quiapo, Litex-Quiapo, Litex-Cubao, Guadalupe-Timog, Baclaran-Sucat, Paranaque, Timog-Ortigas, Monumento-Ayala and Monumento-Taft.
I-ACT has expanded its TBTU operations to nearby provinces of Metro Manila namely Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan and Rizal this Friday. Under the campaign, the council will inspect the PUVs’ body (appearance), engine, lights, brakes, tires, horn, battery, and smoke emission to check its roadworthiness.
Failure to pass the roadworthiness test will result in the suspension of the franchises of PUVs. (/PNA)
