Commuters in Metro Manila face back-to-work rush after Holy Week break

Many commuters faced long lines and overcrowded public utility vehicles (PUVs) early Monday as work resumed following the Holy Week break.

According to a report of GMA News’ James Agustin on Unang Balita, passengers began building up early in the morning at the PHILCOA area in Quezon City.

Passing buses and jeepneys were already fully loaded. As early as 5 a.m., commuters struggled to secure rides and the buildup already occupied multiple lanes of the highway. 

Some passengers stood in packed buses and modern jeepneys, while others clung to the rear of traditional jeepneys.

To avoid congestion, authorities from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reminded commuters to wait at designated public utility vehicle (PUV) stops instead of occupying the lanes.

Traffic along the westbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue slowed due to the influx of vehicles heading toward Elliptical Road.

A similar situation was observed late Sunday night at the One Ayala Transport Terminal in Makati City, where passengers returning from the provinces struggled to book rides.

According to a report of GMA News’ EJ Gomez, commuters began flocking to the terminal as early as 8 p.m.

One commuter said she was unaware that the operations of the MRT-3 had been temporarily suspended and was surprised by the number of passengers at the terminal.

Some commuters resorted to booking motorcycle taxis but waited up to close to midnight. 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) deployed additional buses offering free rides for affected commuters.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said over 400,000 passengers were monitored in all ports nationwide on Easter Sunday.

Of the total number, 219,297 were outbound passengers while 189,629 were inbound.

A total of 2,006 vessels and 3,073 motorbancas were inspected in 16 Coast Guard Districts, according to the PCG.

The PCG had placed its districts, stations, and sub-stations on heightened alert from March 28 to April 5 to manage the influx of port passengers in light of the Holy Week.—AOL, GMA News