A group of transport advocates has recommended a pilot period for the alternative bus routes arranged to serve the commuters affected by the five-year halt of Philippine National Railways' (PNR) Metro Manila trips.
Interviewed on DZRH's Huntahan on Sunday, March 10, Altmobility Director Ira Cruz said the pilot test must be commenced before the PNR officially suspends its Metro Manila operations on March 28.
"Sana yung 25 [bus units] na binanggit nila na ide-deploy para saluhin yung pangangailangan ng 20,000 [passengers], sana simulan na nila, ngayon na, para magkaroon ng testing period or pilot period. Sana matutukan nila itong pilot period para makita nila yung mga dapat na adjustments para hindi naman gano'n kahirap yung nararanasan ng mga commuters," he said.
Cruz also proposed that transportation authorities assign a dedicated lane for the alternative buses to ensure passengers receive an "equivalent level of experience and service as the PNR."
The Altmobility director said they are concerned that the arrranged alternative buses might not provide the same level of service and efficiency that PNR gives.
"Sympre itong mga bus ay makikihalo sa traffic, sa mga sa sasakyan. Hindi ito dire-direcho, uninterrupted. Nakikita rin namin dito, doon sa nilabas ng DOTr, malayo-layo ang lalakarin ng commuters mula sa nakasanayan nilang PNR station patungo kung saan sila sasakay ng bus. Mahirap lakarin iyan dahil wala tayo walang maayos na sidewalk," he explained.
"Hindi lamang sasama ang kanilang experience kundi nadagdagan pa yung kanilang gastusin. Doon nga sa isang interbyu, sa isang PNR ay katumbas nito ay tatlong sakay ng jeep at isang LRT," Cruz continued.
He further suggested that the national government provide a subsidy to compensate for the additional transport fees incurred by commuters amidst PNR's suspension.
Earlier this week, the transportation department announced the five-year suspension of PNR's Metro Manila operations starting March 28 to give way for the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway project.
It also informed the public that 30 alternative bus units for the FTI to Divisoria route and 25 bus units for Alabang to Divisoria route have been arranged.
