AKBAYAN on Friday called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to think twice before dismissing proposals to extend operating hours of the Metro Manila rail systems, particularly the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3.
Their call came amid the DOTr’s recent rejection of proposals for extension of operations despite “growing public demand” for improved public transport.
In a statement, Akbayan urged the Transportation department to engage in a “meaningful dialogue” with commuters in addressing their “pressing” transportation needs.
Despite the congestion, commuters ride the MRT-3 on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, for a faster option during the busy payday rush hour. Photos by Rio Deluvio
“We hope the DOTr listens and sympathizes with our commuters, instead of shutting the door on proposals extending the operations of the MRT and LRT,” Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña said.
“Every day, commuters, especially BPO workers and night-shift employees, face immense hardships. Extending train hours by even one or two hours can significantly alleviate their struggles, providing them with safe, efficient, and reliable transportation options after long hours of work,” he added.
Apart from commuters, Akbayan also called on the DOTr to have a comprehensive dialogue with stakeholders “to discuss possible options in extending the operating hours and on other reforms to improve the riding experience of commuters.”
Members of Akbayan Partylist roll out a signature campaign at the MRT 3 Quezon Avenue Station on Dec. 12, 2024 urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the operating hours until midnight for night shift employees, especially those from the business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Members of Akbayan Partylist roll out a signature campaign at the MRT 3 Quezon Avenue Station on Dec. 12, 2024 urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the operating hours until midnight for night shift employees, especially those from the business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Members of Akbayan Partylist roll out a signature campaign at the MRT 3 Quezon Avenue Station on Dec. 12, 2024 urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the operating hours until midnight for night shift employees, especially those from the business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Members of Akbayan Partylist roll out a signature campaign at the MRT 3 Quezon Avenue Station on Dec. 12, 2024 urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the operating hours until midnight for night shift employees, especially those from the business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Members of Akbayan Partylist roll out a signature campaign at the MRT 3 Quezon Avenue Station on Dec. 12, 2024 urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the operating hours until midnight for night shift employees, especially those from the business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Members of Akbayan Partylist roll out a signature campaign at the MRT 3 Quezon Avenue Station on Dec. 12, 2024 urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the operating hours until midnight for night shift employees, especially those from the business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Members of Akbayan Partylist roll out a signature campaign at the MRT 3 Quezon Avenue Station on Dec. 12, 2024 urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the operating hours until midnight for night shift employees, especially those from the business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
“Before shooting down the proposal, we hope the DOTr would talk to all the stakeholders first to discuss possible options for extending the MRT-LRT operating hours. For example, operations could still be extended but only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or on the days of the week with the highest ridership,” Cendaña said. “There are many options … if they want it.”
He also cited the need for the railway systems in Metro Manila to “rise to the standards” set by other Southeast Asian capitals, including Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, where train operations last until midnight.
“If our neighbors in Asia can keep their trains running until midnight, there is no reason why we can’t. We must learn from their best practices and adapt them to make our public transport system truly serve the people,” Cendaña said.
“The DOTr must listen to the voices of commuters before shutting down their appeals. Public transportation is a public service — it must serve the people,” he added.
Akbayan on Sunday launched a signature campaign and on Thursday, went to the MRT-3 Quezon Avenue Station to call for the extension of operations in the railway systems.
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