MMDA sends buses, trucks to ferry commuters in Commonwealth

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has deployed nine units of its buses and trucks in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City to ferry commuters — especially students — for free following the resumption of face-to-face classes.

MMDA Acting Chairman Engineer Carlo Dimayuga III said that for today’s “Libreng Sakay (free ride)” program, the agency dispatched seven buses and two military trucks to transport those commuting from Doña Carmen to Welcome Rotonda.

“The ‘Libreng Sakay’ program in Commonwealth is expected to benefit 500 to 600 passengers per day and we are mulling to continue it until December this year,” he said.

The free rides, which will start from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., can be availed by commuters in the area Mondays to Fridays.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed her gratitude to the MMDA for the “Libreng Sakay” program, saying that it would be great assistance to the public, especially to students who commute on a daily basis.

 “I am very happy that transportation agencies are working hand in hand with the local government in easing the burden of the commuting public,” Belmonte was quoted as saying.

Further, Dimayuga shared that the MMDA has penalized the private contractor of the MRT-7 project construction westbound of Commonwealth Avenue, particularly in Commonwealth Market, after its girder launch caused gridlock in the area yesterday (August 25, 2022).

Meanwhile, The MMDA chief led the distribution of around 2,000 health kits to students in Batasan High School. Each kit contains vitamins, alcohol, face mask, thermometer, mouth wash, and paracetamol.

 Signages about hygiene and COVID-19 protocols were also given to the school administrators to remind the students that the virus is still present and that minimum health standards must still be observed and complied to.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

Also read:

LTO forms TWG to discuss NCAP, MMDA backs NCR LGUs on implementation

1st day of classes 'light', hundreds of traffic personnel deployed to manage traffic

DOTr adjusts land transport programs as resumption of on-site classes draw near