The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) declared that the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) failed to paralyze public transportation on the first day of the group's three-day transport strike.
MMDA acting chairperson Atty. Don Artes said on Monday, Nov. 20, that the agency immediately deployed free rides in areas where commuters gather.
"Baka nga normal Monday morning rush hour foot traffic lang ito," he said in a press briefing.
Artes shared that the MMDA prepared 686 vehicles to provide free rides to stranded commuters across the National Capital Region.
However, on Monday morning, the MMDA has only deployed 66 vehicles.
"Ayaw na naman maipon kaya immediately kapag nakakita kami ng 20 to 30 persons na nasa kalsada, nag-aabang ng masasakyan, kaagad natin dini-deploy yung mga prepositioned asset natin," Artes said.
As of 10:00 AM, MMDA said that around 550 individuals gathered in 12 rally areas to protest against the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
