BY NOEL TALACAY
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday said drivers of traditional jeepneys displaced by limitations in public transportation due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may switch to driving buses and get help from the government.
MMDA assistant secretary Celine Pialago said the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in partnership with the Technical Education and Development Authority (TESDA), is offering NC III training for jeepney drivers who would like to try their hands at driving public buses.
Pialago said the program will help PUJ drivers earn money, especially since the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) only allowed 6,000 “roadworthy” PUJs to resume plying 49 routes.
Pialago noted that some buses have been allowed to ply routes that were previously exclusively serviced only by PUJs to accommodate more commuters.
At the same time, Pialago said elevators will be set up in all carousel bus stops along EDSA to help senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in availing train services of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).
The MMDA last week launched 12 out of 16 carousel bus stops aimed at decongesting and shortening the travel time along EDSA and making public transportation more accessible, convenient, and faster.
The program, however, was criticized after the MRT management failed to provide facilities elevators for the elderly and disabled to help them in getting to the trains and in going down from the stations.
Pialago said 16 lifts will be put up in the carousel bus’ 16 stops along EDSA.
“MMDA is still waiting to finish first the construction of the four remaining bus stops located in Buendia, Taft, Kamuning, and Pasay which have already provided clearance for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This coming week they will start to break down the center island for the construction of the four remaining bus stops,” she said.
Likewise, Pialago said an additional 150 units have been allowed to take part in the government’s MRT3 bus augmentation project, bringing to 700 the total number of augmentation buses authorized to ferry commuters not be accommodated by the MRT-3.
The MRT3 is now on reduced operations after depot personnel tested positive of COVID-19.
As of Sunday noon, 166 depot personnel and six station personnel have been infected with the disease, bringing the total to 172. The station personnel includes four ticket sellers, one nurse and one train driver.
