Urban mobility management, public transport subsidies, and traffic mitigation frameworks are facing structural strain as state agencies implement widespread road closures and free transit windows to offset major international summit preparations.
Commuters can enjoy free rides on the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) on November 9 (Monday), 11 (Wednesday), and 13 (Friday) amid road closures in preparation for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), free rides will be available during the morning and afternoon rush hours, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., on the three scheduled dates.
“Enjoy free rides on LRT-1 on November 9, 11, and 13 (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM; 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) as we celebrate the ASEAN Summit,” the DOT said in a post.
Meanwhile, free rides on 15 modern jeepneys will also be available from November 5 to 14, operating from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The free jeepney services will cover two routes: from SM Fairview in Novaliches, Quezon City, to Buendia in Makati City, and from Sucat to Baclaran, both in Parañaque City.
In a separate advisory, the Pasay Traffic and Parking Management Office announced that the following roads will be totally closed starting November 9 until November 18:
- Pedro Bukaneg St.
- Vicente Sotto St.
- Buendia Ave.
- J.W. Diokno Blvd.
- Atang dela Rama St.
- Magdalena Jalandoni St.
- Areas surrounding the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC)
On November 11, the International Media Center will begin its operational testing and final preparations for the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings.
The testing will be conducted from November 13 to 14 at Conrad Manila in Pasay City.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, including the Leaders’ Meetings, will subsequently take place from November 15 to 17 at the PICC.