Thousands stranded by bus strike in Philippine capital

Nov 15, 2010, 5:44 GMT

Manila - Thousands of people were stranded Monday in the Philippine capital when passenger bus operators went on strike to protest a scheme aimed at decongesting traffic in the metropolis.

The number-coding scheme prohibits passenger buses from plying their routes one day a week, depending on the last figure on their license plates.

Police said at least 8,000 commuters were stranded around Manila during the peak hours Monday morning, but the situation eased later in the day when police and army trucks and buses offered free rides.

Lieutenant Armand Rico, an army spokesman in Manila, said the armed forces dispatched 31 buses and trucks to help commuters.

Local government departments also dispatched vehicles.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, which oversees the traffic in the capital, said the new plan was on the right track to solve the perennial congestion.

Spokeswoman Tina Velasco said the agency was planning to file charges against bus owners and operators who joined the strike.

'The strike will not stop us from implementing the scheme,' she said. 'We are just here to implement the law.'

Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz warned protestors against coercing drivers who were not participating in the strike.

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