MMDA to install jeepney stops from Manila to Quezon City

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Sunday said it plans to install designated stops for passenger jeepneys from Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City to Quiapo, Manila.

MMDA Chairman Tim Orbos announced the plan after a successful dialogue with jeepney operators on Friday.

"Katatapos lang namin mag-meeting sa mga jeepney operators nung Biyernes at isa sa aming gagawin, starting from Commonwealth to España probably also to include diyan sa Quiapo would be to include jeepney stops already, similar to bus stops," Orbos said in a radio dzBB interview.

"This would be the first time that this will happen. We will have to plan it, pero kung matuloy 'yan napakaganda so hindi na yung kahit saan sila tumitigil," he added.

Orbos said the jeepney stops will be placed close to the designated bus stops along the stretch of Commonwealth Avenue to España Avenue.

"This will be similar to buses pero hindi natin ilalagay sa bus stops para hindi rin sila magbanggaan. This will be separate, it might be near or it might be adjacent but it will be separate," Orbos said.

He said among the possible jeepney stops will be placed at the Tandang Sora and PhilCoa areas in Quezon city.

He added that jeepney operators will be asked to present a list of their preferred stops.

Orbos said they are expecting jeepney drivers to have a hard time getting used to using the designated stops.

"Siguro dahil matagal na nakasanayan, matagal na hindi pinigilan it will take time also for us to realize na kailangan talaga. at least ngayon nagkakaroon ng ugnayan," Orbos said.

He added: "Ganon talaga, bad habits are hard to break but you just have to keep on pursuing yung dapat nating gawin. Pagbigyan lang tayo ng enough time para magawa ito." —Joseph Tristan Roxas/ALG, GMA News