More Buses Could Ply the Streets as MRT-3 Operations Remain Suspended

More buses could ply the roads in order to address the transportation needs of commuters following the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) suspended operations, a Department of Transportation senior consultant said on July 8.

There are currently 90 buses on the road to help commuters, but more could be added.

"Tinutugunan natin 'yan ngayon, we have 90 buses na nakatugon sa MRT3... kung kukulangin 'yan, dadagdagan natin 'yan," said Engineer Alberto Suansing, senior consultant for road sector.

"Basta ang sinabi namin, ang tingin namin 'yung 90 units sapat na 'yan makaikot- ikot," he added.

To recall, the MRT-3 halted operations starting July 7 until July 11 after employees contracted COVID-19. There have been a total of 202 MRT-3 workers infected with the respiratory disease.

Of this number, 16 were working at the stations and 181 at the depot, DOTr Undersecretary Goddess Libiran said. There were also 3 train drivers and 2 control center personnel who tested positive for the ccoronavirus.