‘Oplan Kalakbay’ for Lenten travel launched by DoTC

Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez recently assured Holy Week commuters of orderly, clean and safe travel to provincial destinations.

Alvarez issued the assurance after he launched “Oplan Kalakbay 2002,” the DOTC’s action program for the Holy Week to ensure that travelers are given their fair share by transport firms, which usually prey on hapless commuters during peak travel seasons.

One common practice of bus companies is to accept reservations and bookings, but do not deliver the buses at the appointed time, leaving passengers stranded in the terminals.

“I will personally lead the implementation of Oplan Kalakbay 2002. From the Action Center to the task forces deployed to the different land, air and sea terminals, our staff will receive complaints and act on problems encountered by commuters,” Alvarez said.

Oplan Kalakbay starts on March 23 and ends on March 31. It is a nationwide program but the focus will be in major travel centers such as Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao.

Oplan Kalakbay is part of DoTC’s Oks na Oks Program, which comprised of numerous projects and activities meant to improve transport and communications services.

DoTC complain desks shall be established in various bus and port terminals. The desks will be manned by DoTC personnel and volunteers from non-government organizations.

Action teams, dubbed “Flying Squads,” complemented by volunteers from the private sector and NGOs, including doctors and nurses, will also be fielded along the North and South Luzon Expressways and highways.

Personnel of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will be very visible during the holy week, enforcing traffic and transport laws and regulations.

Alvarez said the LTFRB will relax franchise rules during the holidays and give special permits for some provincial buses to operate outside their franchise areas to meet increased demand.

LTO and LTFRB personnel will continue to strictly enforce laws against smoke belching, contracting passengers, overcharging of fares and similar offenses.

Action teams from the Philippine Port Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, and the Philippine Coast Guard will man the DoTC assistance centers in piers and ferry terminals.

The action teams, all equipped with two-way radio sets, are mandated to continuously report situationers to the Command Center which will remain open 24 hours, which in turn, will report periodically to Alvarez. (PNA)