Relief for our weary commuters

Easing the daily travel of our commuters, especially workers and students, is a major challenge for the government.

- Mark Villar THE BUILDER

Filipino commuters, particularly in the national capital region, form the backbone of our labor-intensive economy. They deserve every relief they can get when they travel to their workplaces or attend schooling.

Even the smallest relief can matter to our commuters. Working eight hours a day or studying at least for five hours daily is not an easy task. Adding to their daily chore is the travel time that may take longer, depending on the traffic situation.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deserves credit for easing the plight of our commuters. Just last week, he personally experienced the newly-completed improvements at the Kamuning station in Quezon City, which connects the Edsa Busway to the MRT-3.

Mr. Marcos noted that the steep stairway leading to what commuters call "Mt. Kamuning" would be removed as part of efforts to ease daily travel.

The previous staircase design of Mt. Kamuning was impractical and uncomfortable for commuters. For one, the structure shakes when people pass through it.

The new infrastructure now includes a lower stairway, elevators for passengers who cannot climb stairs, and a wheelchair lift for commuters with disabilities. Wheelchairs are also available to help passengers move through the station more easily.