The Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr SAICT) said it is ramping up efforts to ease the expected congestion at various transport terminals to ensure safe and hassle-free travel for millions of Filipinos during the Lenten holidays.
In a statement on Sunday, SAICT said it has deployed enforcers 24/7 at EDSA Busway stations, integrated terminal exchanges, and parts of major highways from April 9 to 23 to ensure the safety of passengers ahead of the Easter exodus from the national capital to the provinces.
SAICT vowed to decongest commuter areas, enforce traffic laws, conduct anti-colorum operations, and ensure that public utility vehicles are roadworthy through rigorous inspections.
Transportation Secretary and SAICT chairman Vince Dizon emphasized that these efforts are part of the agency’s mission to ease commuters’ struggles every year around this time .
“It is important for the DOTr to ensure
that all preparations for Semana Santa (Holy Week) are in place so passengers can travel safely, fast and comfortably. This is also a way to give them more time as they go to their respective provinces and loved ones,” Dizon said.
The DOTr head stressed that the agency’s priority is to “make the experience of Filipino workers, passengers, and foreign tourists as pleasant as possible.”
Dizon said the agency will work with other agencies to move people and cargo efficiently.
