MMDA, transport groups to install jeepney stops in Commonwealth-Espana corridor

MANILA –Public transportation groups have agreed to establish public utility jeepney stops from Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and Espana Boulevard in Manila as part of ongoing efforts of the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT) to further improve traffic condition in Metro Manila.

MMDA General Manager Thomas Orbos on Sunday said transport leaders have agreed to set up jeepney stops initially in the Commonwealth-Espana corridor during a meeting held last Friday at the agency’s central office.

The Commonwealth-Espana corridor has one of the heaviest concentrations of jeepneys in Metro Manila, servicing mostly students and workers.

“We need to end the days of picking up / dropping off passengers anywhere,” Orbos said, as jeepney drivers pick up and drop off their passengers in any place along the route resulting to traffic congestion in the areas.

The project will help decongest traffic and instill discipline among motorists and commuters aside from providing convenience to passengers.

In the same meeting attended by Zeny Maranan of Fejodap, Obet Martin of Pasang Masda, Orlando Marquez of LTOP, and Boy Vargas of Altodap, the parties also agreed that a technical working group will be formed in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the respective local government units to further study traffic and passenger flow and identify the location of the jeepney stops. They also indicated that their willingness to having these jeepney stops is proof of their confirmation to modernization and being attuned to present needs of the commuters.

MMDA will continue to coordinate and work with the LTFRB, local traffic enforcement groups of Manila and Quezon City for the continuous intensified clearing operations of road obstructions in the areas to ensure smooth traffic flow.