While waiting for arrival of additional trains and implementation of other long-term plans for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Sen. Bam Aquino asked the Department of Transportation to immediately provide commuters with protection against the elements, especially during this rainy season.

“I know that you are already doing the wagons, the trains but can we do something very short term, very low-hanging fruit. Puwede bang manigurado lang na walang mababasa habang rainy season na at habang naghihintay,” said Sen. Bam during the hearing of the Senate committee on public service on the proposal to grant President Duterte emergency powers to solve the traffic problem in Metro Manila.

“Basically, mga tolda, hindi naman ganun kamahal iyon, kakaunti lang ang mga stops,” he added.

Sen. Bam also calls on Transportation Secretary Art Tugade to take it a step further by providing commuters with free drinking water and Wi-Fi service as they wait for the next train to arrive.

 “I don’t think it will be much cost to government pero malaking bagay iyon sa mga naghihintay,” the senator said.

 Tugade said he will immediately order his men to ensure that commuters will be protected from the elements.

“Doon sa mga comfort ng mga nakapila, mayroon ding kaming mga proyekto na mamimili sila ng ticket sa ibang outlet, gaya ng tindahan at mall,” said Tugade.

 “Mayroon ring kaming kausap na mall, na may open area kung saan dadaan iyong may ticket na, they can hang around with the children,” he added.