New Transport Group Demands Political Ceasefire to Focus on Public Transportation
A newly formed transport group, Kilos Konsumer-Komyuter (KyumterPH), has issued a strong call for political leaders to set aside their conflicts and prioritize the enhancement of public transportation systems, particularly in routes connecting to and from Metro Manila. According to Isagani Bogabel, the spokesperson for KyumterPH, excessive time and resources are being wasted on political disputes instead of addressing the critical issues plaguing the transport network, which continues to burden millions of commuters daily.
Daily Struggles and Economic Impact
The group highlighted the severe daily hardships faced by commuters, ranging from early morning wake-ups to exhausting and delayed returns home due to heavy traffic congestion. KyumterPH emphasized that these transport inefficiencies result in staggering economic losses, estimated at P3.5 billion per day, significantly hampering national productivity and growth.
Key Demands for Immediate Action
In response to these challenges, KyumterPH has outlined several urgent demands aimed at alleviating the commuter burden. These include:
- The swift implementation of the Public Transportation Modernization Program to upgrade infrastructure and services.
- An increase in the number of operational vehicles to reduce overcrowding and wait times.
- Enhanced support for drivers and operators to ensure better working conditions and service quality.
- A more rigorous campaign against colorum vehicles (unauthorized transport units) to improve safety and regulation compliance.
By focusing on these measures, the group believes that significant improvements can be made to the public transport system, ultimately benefiting both the economy and the daily lives of commuters across the region.