A ramp at the Philam QC station of the EDSA Busway in Quezon City for persons with disabilities goes viral deemed as too steep for its intended users, specifically wheelchair-bound users, taken on July 18, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The government announced Sunday it would beef up other modes of public transportation during the planned jeepney strike on Monday, March 24.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the deployment of additional buses and trains, Palace press officer Claire Castro told reporters.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will also provide free rides to affected areas, she said.

#WalangPasok: Class suspensions on March 24, 2025 due to transport strike

The transport strike of Manibela is aimed at protesting the government's allegedly inaccurate consolidation figures under the Public Transport Modernization Program. Franchise consolidation is a requirement under the program. 

According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the nationwide consolidation rate for public utility vehicles already reached 86 percent after the deadline for applications.

Manibela announces 3-day transport strike

But Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena accused the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board during a recent press conference of supposedly misleading the public and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. into thinking that the consolidation program was effective and there was no need to suspend the modernization push.

Castro urged Manibela to suspend the planned transport strike and instead discuss the issues so the new leadership at the transport department could understand their grievances.

The planned strike has already prompted class cancellations due to the expected limited number of jeepneys and the traffic congestion it could cause.

Expect light traffic on NLEX on Sunday: official