DoTr mobilizes free rides, waived fees to speed up typhoon relief efforts

Amid the devastation wrought by typhoons Tino and Uwan, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) has rolled out a series of emergency measures across all transport sectors to ease the burden of affected Filipinos and support relief operations nationwide. These include free train rides, waived terminal and toll fees, and free cargo transport for relief goods.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez announced that from yesterday until today, November 11, commuters can avail themselves of free rides on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), and the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 (LRT-1 and LRT-2). He said the initiative aims to help those impacted by the typhoons while easing mobility amid recovery efforts.

To accelerate the transport of aid, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has also waived roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) terminal fees for vehicles carrying relief goods, rescue equipment, and other supplies bound for typhoon-hit areas. The exemption covers both government and private vehicles delivering assistance in coordination with authorized agencies.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), in coordination with local airlines, has ordered the allocation of free cargo space for transporting relief goods to affected regions. CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said the policy, which took effect immediately, also suspends cargo fees for relief shipments and will remain valid for 30 days unless lifted or extended earlier, depending on operational considerations.

The Toll Regulatory Board has likewise been directed to suspend toll fees for emergency and rescue vehicles responding to disaster operations on major expressways.

“The President’s directive is clear—to do everything necessary to accelerate the delivery of relief and rescue operations. That’s why we mobilized all transport sectors early,” Lopez said. “The entire DoTr family stands ready to help ensure that aid reaches every Filipino in need.” TRACY CABRERA