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Makabayan bloc wants probe into window hour bus scheme

April 26, 2022 Jester P. Manalastas 234 views

THE Makabayan bloc filed a resolution calling for a House inquiry into the reported window hour scheme for provincial buses causing significant delay and inconvenience among commuters.

In filing House Resolution 2562, the Makabayan group — composed of Bayan MUna, ACT-Teacher, Kabataan and Gabriela Party-lists — denounced concerned government agencies for finger pointing.

Last April 20, many commuters were stranded for hours in several bus terminals along EDSA-Cubao, waiting for bus rides going to provinces outside the National Capital Region (NCR).

Likewise, many passengers were similarly left stranded in Dau, Pampanga waiting for provincial buses traveling to Metro Manila.

The delay and inconvenience happened after the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) imposed a restrictive window hour for provincial buses plying the Metro Manila, allowing them to use their bus terminals inside NCR only between 10p pm to 5 am.

Passengers were caught unaware, citing the lack of advisory given by authorities when the provincial bus operators adjusted their travel schedules in Metro Manila.

Instead of taking responsibility, the concerned agencies passed the blame on each other, the Makabayan bloc lamented.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced that it had no part in the agreement between Provincial Bus Operators and the MMDA regarding the window hour scheme.

“The window hour scheme imposed on provincial bus operators has greatly caused undue hassle and burden to thousands of commuters relying on public transport,” the solons said.

“As representatives of the people, members of Congress must ensure that government policies serve the best interest of our people, especially in this time of crisis aggravated by the pandemic that gravely hit our already suffering people,” they added.