Rizal 2nd District Representative Fidel Nograles petitioned for more public transportation as he expressed his concern on continuing efforts of the government to solve the problems in the public transport system in the Metro.

“We have to acknowledge that we have an apparent supply problem in the public transportation sector and this is reflected in the daily struggle of commuters. The long lines every morning and late afternoon in key transport hubs should be a wakeup call for us.” Nograles said. He explained that the existing pandemic made the public transport supply problem worse and has forced commuters to join crowds due to insufficient public utility vehicles.

Nograles acknowledged the innovations of the Department of Transportation to push for commuter welfare like the EDSA Carousel system, provision of bike lanes, and the service-contracting program. “Having a clear strategy on satisfying commuter demand for PUVs will really help in ending the daily nightmares of the public,” he said.

Nograles who authored House Bill 5653 or the Magna Carta of Commuters also mentioned that the situation is dysfunctional and against the no contact policy. But due to the lack of transportation, commuters have no choice but to risk their lives cramming into any available vehicle.

“We cannot just simply apprehend drivers who allow passengers to cram in their buses since it is hard for them to stop people from embarking their vehicles. Besides, because of the insufficient PUVs on the road, some terminals and waiting sheds will be jam-packed if commuters will not be allowed to ride,” he said.

Photo Credit: Facebook/LorelieMaderal