MRT 3 hours extended, Unconsolidated PUVs may operate again

After the Department of Transportation extended the operating hours of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT 3) indefinitely, unconsolidated jeepney drivers were also allowed to operate again.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said he had already issued a directive to his department to help the unconsolidated drivers resume their routes and operate legally.

Dizon said government must consider the plight of commuters, drivers and operators.

Meanwhile, MRT 3’s operating hours were also extended until 11:00 PM to help cater to more commuters working different shifts who reside in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“Sisiguraduhin ko ho, na ang importante, makabiyahe kayo nang legal,” Dizon said while addressing members of a transport group. “‘Yun pong desisyon na makabalik kayo, nandiyan na iyan.”

“Ang pinag-uusapan natin dito kabuhayan ng mga driver at operator natin. Ang pinaglalaruan natin dito buhay ng tao ‘yan, e. Hindi tayo basta-basta pwedeng magsabi na ihihinto natin ‘yan, hindi natin papayagan ‘yan,” he added.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Usec. Claire Castro said that the Marcos administration is studying a “win-win” situation for commuters and drivers, saying it favors everyone with available transportation and livelihood.