Jeepneys in Bulacan resume operation
CITY OF MALOLOS – It’s good news to all jeepney drivers and commuters in the province of Bulacan after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has honored Gov. Daniel R. Fernando’s request to allow public utility jeepney operators to traverse their regular routes and line during the implementation of modified general community quarantine.
According to the order from the LTFRB, the issuance of the special permit is subject to fifty percent operations daily with an alternate schedule.
“Ni-request natin na ibalik and dating ruta para maiwasan ang kumplikasyon sa TODA, sila na din ang ni-lobby natin na magbigay ng schedule sa mga driver para mas maayos, para sa lahat pantay ang oportunidad na makapaghanapbuhay, pero wag nating kalimutan na nandyan pa rin ang pandemic at MGCQ pa rin, mag-iingat pa rin tayo,” Fernando said.
LTFRB representative Atty. Jesus Sison said that though more routes are now open there are still rules to follow including the wearing of mask and gloves for drivers, no face mask no ride and physical distancing for passengers, vehicle disinfection every end of each trip, frequently touched surfaces disinfection every three hours, available thermal scanner in terminals and right fare rate among others.
Based on the order, the minimum fare for the traditional PUJs is P9.00 for first four kilometers and additional P1.50 per succeeding kilometer while the minimum fare for modernized jeepney is P11.00 and P1.50 per succeeding kilometer.
Meanwhile, BFJODA Chairman Billy Tatil said on behalf of his colleagues that they are thankful that they can now get back to the road to work and provide service to their fellow Bulakenyos.
However, Leonardo Bautista, Chairman of the Palmera-Gumaoc-Novaliches Transport Multipurpose Service Cooperative, asked if they can have full subsidy and medical assistance if unfortunately, they acquire the COVID-19 virus on the road.
Sison said they will discuss the matter and explained that for fuel subsidy, they will be provided with forms to be filled out for the computation of expenses.
Arlene Pascual, provincial planning and development officer, also asked them to help them look into more routes that they want to request to better serve the commuters. ###