Manila: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to implement free rides on the MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 all day on November 10 and 11 due to severe weather conditions caused by Super Typhoon Uwan. Additionally, the Office of the President, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Ports Authority, and the office of Senator Erwin Tulfo will deploy buses to provide free rides to passengers starting Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the free bus rides will cover the Quiapo-Fairview, Quiapo-Angono, Lawton-Alabang, Roxas Boulevard-Sucat, and Taft-Cubao routes and will be effective all day. This initiative may be extended until Tuesday based on passenger needs. Furthermore, the Philippine Ports Authority has waived RoRo terminal fees for vehicles delivering rescue equipment and relief goods for those affected by the typhoon, including government and private vehicles engaged in relief efforts.
Cargo fees on local airlines have also been waived for transporting aid to affected residents. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez previously instructed the Toll Regulatory Board to exempt toll fees for vehicles involved in emergency and rescue operations using expressways.
"The DOTr's full force is now focused on our countrymen affected by Super Typhoon Uwan. The President has strictly ordered us to do everything to facilitate the delivery of aid to our countrymen affected by the typhoon, so we have mobilized early in all transportation sectors to expedite all government relief and rescue operations," Lopez stated in a news release. Food and drinks are being provided to stranded passengers at ports, docks, and bus terminals, while the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines continues to monitor the situation at airports impacted by Uwan.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines previously reported that all flights at airports affected by Uwan have been canceled or diverted. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office has readied patrol cars from various regions to assist in relief operations. LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao stated that the patrol cars are prepared to escort trucks carrying relief goods to ensure the fast and safe arrival of basic necessities to affected communities. "We are ready to deploy our vehicles and personnel to help mitigate the impact of Typhoon Uwan and support the affected areas," Lacanilao said in a statement.
