Commuters complain of difficulty in getting rides due to jeepney transport strike

Some commuters had difficulty traveling to work or school on Monday as jeepney drivers held a transport strike to protest the government's order calling for the modernization and phaseout of dilapidated jeepneys.

A report by GMA News’ Dano Tingcungco on Unang Balita said about 400 jeepney drivers from the transport group Stop and Go Coalition were expected to join the strike in Manila on Monday.

Mga pasahero sa Monumento-Edsa Caloocan walang masakyan sa mga oras na ito. | via @allangatus pic.twitter.com/zLa0Pqnts6

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) February 5, 2017

One of those affected by the strike was Nel Nitapan, who was waiting for a ride since 4:30 a.m.

Because she could not get a jeepney ride to her destination, Nitapan was forced to take a tricycle.

“Sana naman ‘wag na sila tumuloy ng strike dahil ang mga tao ang mapeperwisyo,” Nitapan said.

Jeepney routes affected by the transport strike in Manila include the Sta. Ana-Faura and Punta-Quiapo routes, the report said.

This will affect passengers who will be going to Paco, Taft, Padre Faura and Pedro Gil.

Meanwhile, some commuters were left with no choice but to walk to their destinations, the report added.

Transport group Stop and Go Coalition last month said it expects that about 74,000 jeeps and thousands of UV Express vehicles will participate in the protest which will be held in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The group said the draft of the department order of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will deprive many drivers and operators of their livelihood.

Meanwhile, the government on Sunday said it will provide free rides to commuters who will be affected by the transport strike.

"To ensure the riding public of available rides tomorrow because of the possible transport strike, private buses, government vehicles, and vessels will be deployed as early as 4:00 a.m. to affected areas," Department of Transportation (DOTr) spokesperson Cherie F. Mercado said in a text message. —Erwin Colcol/KG, GMA News