Solon bats for extended operations of metro’s mass transit systems
A lawmaker on Monday renewed the call for extended operating hours of the mass rail systems and the bus carousel to provide reliable and accessible transportation options for Metro Manila commuters in anticipation of the rehabilitation and upgrade of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa).
Akbayan Rep Percival Cendaña urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the operating hours of the Metro Rail Transit, Light Rail Transit and the Edsa bus carousel to compensate for the major road works planned at the end of this month for the capital region’s main thoroughfare.
The Department of Public Works and Highways in the National Capital Region has announced that it would be undertaking the first phase of the EDSA rehabilitation by the end of March.
The lawmaker pointed out that it was crucial to extend the operating hours of mass transport systems due to the anticipated heavy traffic congestion caused by Edsa’s rehabilitation and upgrade. “Private vehicles have an option (to avoid Edsa) but commuters do not. They should have access to sufficient public transportation,” Cendaña said in Filipino adding, “The rehabilitation of Edsa is important but the welfare of our commuters is also important.”
In addition to the proposed extended operating hours, the lawmaker sought additional compensation for bus and train workers who would have longer working hours.
“Any extension of public transport operations must come with just compensation for workers,” the lawmaker asserted, pointing out in Filipino, “They are at the front line of our transport system so they should be protected and given ample pay and benefits.”
He also called on the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and different local government units to immediately announce alternative routes and ensure that all designated Mabuhay Lanes are accessible.
“Commuters cannot afford to wait. The DOTr, MMDA, and LGUs (local government units) must work together to ensure smooth, efficient, and worker-friendly transport solutions before the EDSA rehab begins,” Cendaña said.
