The bus augmentation program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) kicked of this week with the deployment of 86 buses to complement the limited capacity of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 2 and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 lines.

The DOTr said 56 bus units started operations Tuesday morning at North Avenue Station in Quezon City while 30 units originated from Taft Avenue Station in Pasay.

The new bus augmentation scheme offered MRT-3 passengers an alternative transportation mode and at the same time tested the designated bus lanes on EDSA.

Along the route of LRT-2, buses served passengers going eastbound (Cubao to Antipolo) starting from 15th Avenue in Cubao to Robinsons-Antipolo; and westbound (Antipolo to Cubao) from Olalia Road, Antipolo to Alimall in Cubao.

Fare for the first five kilometers of travel was pegged at P13.00.

Under the general community quarantine, health and safety protocols are strictly implemented, including physical distancing, wearing face masks, and temperature checks before riding and during the bus. (Jojo Mangahis)

Source of preview image: Department of Transportation