Public transport still problematic for commuters on 3rd day under GCQ

Commuters on Wednesday still encountered difficulties in going to work in Metro Manila despite opening of additional routes and fielding of augmentation buses, according to reports on GMA Network.

In the Commonwealth Avenue-Litex area, commuters filled the roadsides as they waited for buses at around 6 a.m., according to a report of Mai Bermudez on Unang Balita.

Two buses from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) arrived in less than than 30 minutes to pick up the commuters, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

But in a scramble to get a ride as more buses arrived, commuters failed to observe physical distancing measures against COVID-19.

Also, the Armed Forces of the Philippine and the Quezon City government deployed buses to transport the stranded workers. And unlike in the previous days, more taxi cabs were available along Commonwealth Avenue. 

Authorities were also present to monitor physical distancing among commuters.

Due to the volume of vehicles, traffic flow  toward the Sandiganbayan area began to grow heavy at around 6:30 a.m., but by 7 a.m. the situation improved.

At the LRT1 EDSA-Taft Station, long lines of commuters formed from the ground level of the stairs up to the entrance of the train platform, according to a report by Bam Alegre on Unang Hirit and Unang Balita.

Commuters were advised to buy stored value tickets ahead to save time in lining up to purchase a single journey ticket, the report said.

To maintain physical distancing, only 153 passengers were allowed to board per train set.

Also, point-to-point buses near the station were provided for commuters.

Meanwhile, at the  MRT3 North Avenue Station, commuters queued very early to make sure they would make it to work, according to a report of James Agustin on Unang Balita.

In over three hours, around 30 augmentation buses arrived near the station. The flow of passengers boarding the buses was smooth and the traffic in the area was light on Wednesday morning.

As earlier indicated, drop-off points are located at North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Ayala Avenue and Taft Avenue stations.

Abiso sa mga pasahero, sa mga lugar lang na nabanggit hihinto ang mga bus sa EDSA ngayong araw. Ang mga patungo sa Cubao ay maaaring sumakay sa MRT-3. @gmanews @dzbb pic.twitter.com/kNZaQBVCPL

— James Agustin (@_jamesJA) June 2, 2020

MMDA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago said the drop-off point at the Ortigas Avenue Station was removed on Wednesday due to safety issues.

MRT3 Director for Operations Michael Capati said they have several safety concerns in placing the drop-off point in the area.

Bus augmentation service sa EDSA, hindi hihinto sa Ortigas Avenue ngayong araw. Kahapon pinayayan ang drop off sa Ortigas Avenue pero pinatigil din dahil kailangan pa raw ito pag-aralan at may safety issues tulad ng swerving. @gmanews @dzbb pic.twitter.com/FGXvUiVmE2

— James Agustin (@_jamesJA) June 2, 2020

At least 18 trains were operational with six-minute headway.

On the first day of the GCQ in Metro Manila on Monday, many commuters struggled to go to work.

To address the transportation woes, the DOTr opened two more routes and deployed more augmented buses in Metro Manila on Tuesday. However, some commuters still encountered difficulties.

Earlier, the DOTr said the gradual resumption of public transportation will be made in two phases.

During the first phase from June 1 to 21, trains and bus augmentation, taxis, transport network vehicle services, shuttle services, point-to-point buses, and bicycles will be in place.

Tricycles are allowed subject to the approval of the concerned local government unit, while provincial buses are still barred from entering and exiting Metro Manila during the period.

Meanwhile, the second phase (covering June 22 to 30 period), public utility buses, modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) or jeepneys, and UV Express vehicles will already be in the roads. —LBG, GMA News