FILE PHOTO: Commuters ride the train at MRT-3 North Avenue Station in Quezon City on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered vendors removed from both the northbound and southbound walkways of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) to make way for passengers.
Dizon, who inspected MRT 3 stations on Monday, said they will work with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
“We understand their plight and they say they need to make a living, but they cannot stay here,” he said of the vendors who have set up stalls that block the passage of passengers.
Dizon also called out a mall for charging vendors at the Taft Avenue station rent in exchange for allowing them to set up their stalls.
“First of all, the vendors shouldn’t be there. They shouldn’t be blocking areas people pass through. And why is Metro Point charging them rent when that is government property?” he said.