Bus augmentation service to support train service during GCQ

MANILA, Philippines – The government has set up a bus augmentation service to supplement railway services during the general community quarantine (GCQ).

Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) Task Force Commander Col. Manuel Bonnevie says 90 buses from different cooperating bus operators will join the bus augmentation service.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III said the bus augmentation service will transport passengers who will not be accommodated by the Metro Rail Transit-3 and Light Rail Transit lines 1 and 2. 

Delgra also said the number of taxis and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) allowed to operate in Metro Manila was increased from 5,000 to over 25,000. 

Both agencies expected at least 100,000 passengers to travel around Metro Manila on the first day of GCQ. 

Meanwhile, MMDA Spokesperson Asec. Celine Pialago also said there will be slight adjustments regarding the operation of buses on EDSA.

“(Southbound) Buses on the right lane must stay there until Quezon Avenue to load and unload passengers. After Quezon Avenue, it should go to the inner lanes of EDSA beside the MRT and keep going since there is no terminal for passengers in the middle. Bus stops under the MRT are still being set up. Upon arriving at Ayala Avenue, it should go to the right lane and keep going until Taft Avenue to load and unload passengers,” said Asec. Pialago.

She reminded passengers that they may wait only at the original loading and unloading areas in four stations.

Pialago also said subsequent adjustments will be made for areas that have more commuters as the GCQ progresses. 

 

The bus augmentation service will operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. near designated railway stations. Fare is set at P25 per person.