THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) gave assurances on Monday that the nationwide strike scheduled by jeepney drivers and operators on Sept. 18 will not paralyze public transport.
LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said the agency, in coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units, has lined up measures to keep commuters from getting stranded.
Guadiz said government vehicles, military trucks, buses and modernized jeepneys will provide free rides during the strike.
He added that previous strikes had little impact because most jeepney operators and drivers continued to ply their routes.
“The vast majority of jeepney operators and drivers want to continue serving the public and earning their livelihood. We are confident that enough units will remain on the road,” Guadiz said.
He called for sobriety and urged transport groups not to “hold the commuting public hostage.”
“Reforms take time, but these are being done for the long-term benefit of both operators and passengers,” Guadiz said. “Commuters are our top priority. We will make sure that on September 18, Filipinos can still get to work, school, and their destinations safely and on time.”
