DoTr offers ‘Libreng Sakay’

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) disclosed on Sunday it will offer free train and bus rides to commuters on 10 and 11 November to help ease the burden on travelers as super typhoon "Uwan" affects Metro Manila and nearby areas.

The free rides were ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday for commuters traveling to and from work. Similar directives were issued for other regions affected by the storm.

Train services on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1, LRT-2, and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 will be free for all passengers on Monday and Tuesday.

On the roads, the Office of the President, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Ports Authority, and the office of Senator Erwin Tulfo will collaborate to provide free bus rides on Monday.

The free service will run all day long on the Quiapo-Fairview, Quiapo-Angono, Lawton-Alabang, Roxas Boulevard-Sucat, and Taft-Cubao routes. The DoTr noted that the free bus rides may be extended until 11 November, depending on passenger needs.

Also, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) removed toll fees at Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) terminals for both public and private vehicles delivering rescue equipment and relief goods to typhoon-affected areas.

Cargo fees for aid shipments have been temporarily suspended by local airlines. Additionally, toll fees are being waived for emergency response vehicles and rescue operation convoys using expressways.

“The DoTr is now fully focused on our countrymen affected by super typhoon Uwan,” said Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

“The President has strictly ordered us to do everything we can to facilitate the delivery of aid to our countrymen affected by the typhoon, so we have mobilized all transportation sectors early to expedite all government relief and rescue operations,” he added.

Meantime, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines continues to monitor the situation at airports impacted by the typhoon, while food and drinks are being distributed to stranded passengers at ports, docks and bus terminals.