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DOTr ensures orderly travel for 'Undas'

By Aerol John Pateña

October 31, 2017, 10:30 am

MANILA -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is ready to provide tighter security and respond to the needs of travelers going to the provinces for the commemoration of All Saints' and All Souls' Day.

The Task Force Alamid of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) has conducted clearing operations of illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions that hamper the flow of traffic along major roads in Metro Manila.

The I-ACT aims to build traffic discipline zones to ease the vehicular congestion across the metropolis.

“The traffic discipline zones I-ACT hopes to build through the clearing operations of Task Force Alamid is focused on areas usually prone to congestion and traffic violations. By posting tarpaulins on these areas, we are reminding motorists and pedestrians to observe utmost discipline. Alamid will always be on the lookout on these areas, ready to impose the full force of the law,” I-ACT communications head Elmer Argano said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has dispatched its personnel starting from October 27 until November 2 along the Sta. Rosa, C-5 and Nichols exits of the South Luzon Expressway. It has likewise deployed toll personnel at Sta. Rita, San Fernando and Dau exits along North Luzon Expressway.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has also conducted its inspection of different bus terminals in Metro Manila.

“We aim to inspect terminals if they provide facilities, such as seats with comfortable backrest and good ventilation at waiting areas, well-maintained restrooms that are free and accessible to PWDs, priority lane, among others. We would also want to check if there are adequate security personnel and help desks to address the concerns of passengers,” according to LTFRB board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada.

The Board has issued special permits to 948 buses that will service passengers going to the provinces for the All Saints’ Day commemoration. These permits are valid from October 30 to November 3.

For the aviation sector, officials and personnel of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) conducted an inspection of the facilities of Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for the annual All Saints and All Souls Day exodus.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) personnel were placed on heightened alert while their leaves and days off were cancelled. Additional information booths were also put up in major airports such as in Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Laguindingan, Zamboanga, Kalibo to assist travelers.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) also set up Passenger Rights and Assistance Desks in all commercial and provincial airports to monitor airline activities and address passenger complaints.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) have opened its help desks, tightened security in various stations and adjusted its train schedules to accommodate the influx of passengers during the Undas season.

The management of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has readied its personnel to receive the rush of commuters and implemented tighter security measures to avoid any untoward incident.

On the other hand, the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) management shall operate eight running trains with seven-minute headway during the Undas break. Two reserve trains at Santolan and Recto stations will be on standby to anticipate the increase in passenger ridership.  A nurse shall likewise be on duty from 6 AMto 2 PM and 2 PM to 10 PM at Katipunan and Recto stations.

On the part of the maritime sector, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has set up security fast check lanes for passengers carrying minimal belongings or small items as well as persons with disabilities, senior citizens and pregnant women.

PPA will also offer first aid services 24/7 within the ports while extra tents and chairs would be provided for waiting passengers.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have implemented similar security measures to ensure the readiness of their respective organizations during the observance of All Saint’s Day/ All Souls’ Day.

Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: UNDAS 2017 also involves the issuance of public advisories such as safety tips, common types of violations at expressways, and safety and security regulations in airports, seaports, and other transportation. Tarpaulins bearing emergency and hotline numbers will be posted in conspicuous areas of the agency’s jurisdiction.

The DOTr Hotline 7890, which is manned by the DOTr Office for Commuter Affairs, shall likewise be available to the public 24/7.

DOTr attached agencies and offices were also instructed to submit a post-Undas report to the DOTr management for evaluation. (PNA)

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