The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday led a clearing operation to ensure that the MRT-3 north and southbound walkways are clean and free from obstructions, so they are orderly and can facilitate the quick passage of passengers and pedestrians.
The operation, led by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and MMDA Special Operations Group-Strike Force Chief Gabriel Go, is part of the government’s effort to stop illegal parking, sidewalk vendors, and other obstructions to improve traffic in the metro.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously ordered the removal of obstructions along the walkways for pedestrians to ensure the quick flow of passengers in rail lines.
“We understand them (vendors), and it is a pity since they need to make a living, but they cannot be here. They inconvenience passengers and pedestrians, whom we also sympathize with,” Dizon said in a mix of English and Filipino upon inspecting the MRT-3 Taft and LRT-1 EDSA stations.
The DOTr chief also reprimanded the Metro Point Mall for soliciting rent from vendors at the MRT-3 southbound exit despite this being government-owned.
“First of all, that area is unauthorized. They are not supposed to block the people’s path. And why is Metro Point charging there when it’s government property? We are going to have the vendors there removed,” Dizon said.
He added that the ongoing collaboration between various government bodies will play a crucial role in sustaining these improvements over the long term.
