Following the severe impact of Super Typhoon Uwan across the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate implementation of free public transportation and the suspension of key logistics fees to ensure the swift delivery of humanitarian aid and the safe passage of affected citizens.
The directive mobilizes the entire transportation sector, spearheaded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies, effective immediately.
Free Mass Transit and Bus Services Activated
The President mandated that all rides on the MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 will be free of charge for all passengers, all day, from November 10 to November 11.
Furthermore, a comprehensive fleet of buses will be deployed through a joint effort involving the Office of the President (OP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the office of Senator Erwin Tulfo. These free bus rides will be effective all day on November 10 along critical routes, with a possibility of extension through November 11 depending on passenger need:
- Quiapo-Fairview
- Quiapo-Angono
- Lawton-Alabang
- Roxas Boulevard-Sucat
- Taft-Cubao
Fees Waived to Accelerate Relief Operations
In a parallel move to expedite the delivery of essential supplies and rescue equipment, several key fees have been temporarily waived:
- Ports: The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has waived RoRo terminal fees for all vehicles—both government and private—transporting rescue equipment or relief goods destined for typhoon-affected areas.
- Airlines: Local airlines have agreed to make cargo fees free for all organizations delivering aid to stricken residents.
- Expressways: Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez previously directed the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to make tolls free for vehicles involved in emergency and rescue operations utilizing expressways.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized the government’s commitment to the relief efforts. “The full force of the DOTr is now focused on our countrymen affected by super typhoon Uwan. The President has strictly ordered us to do everything to facilitate the delivery of aid to our countrymen affected by the storm, so we mobilized early in all transportation sectors to expedite all government relief and rescue operations,” said Secretary Lopez.
Finally, agencies are providing immediate care for stranded travelers, including the distribution of food and drinks at ports, docks, and bus terminals. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) continues to monitor and manage the situation at all affected airports to ensure flight safety and operational continuity.
