Taguig, Parañaque offer free rides vs strike

MANILA, Philippines — The city governments of Taguig and Parañaque will deploy vehicles to give free rides to commuters who will be affected by the three-day nationwide transport strike, which starts today.

Members of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide will hold the transport strike to protest the government’s jeepney modernization program.

“The city government is ready to provide free rides in routes affected by the transport strike from Nov. 20 to 22,” the Taguig City government said.

It added that those who have questions or need assistance may call the Command Center at 87893200 or go to the city assistance desk in their hubs or stations.

Parañaque Mayor Eric Olivarez announced the deployment of vehicles to assist commuters stranded during the strike.

Olivarez said the “Libreng Sakay” vehicles will pass along  Dr. A. Santos Avenue or Sucat Road going to Baclaran, Ninoy Aquino Avenue and Quirino Avenue as well as East and West Service Roads.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City government yesterday said there will be no city-wide suspension of classes due to the planned transport strike this week.

Students who encounter difficulties due to the transport strike will be excused from face-to-face classes and will shift to asynchronous modes of learning, the local government said in an advisory.

The city said it will also deploy free rides for affected school personnel.