By Zaldy Comanda
BAGUIO CITY – The city government is now processing financial assistance for the 357 jeepney drivers operating with special transport permit (STPs) during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in this city.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong, said the program was conceptualized after the Land Transportation Office (LTO) apprehended drivers collecting at least P20 as fare from market goers during the ECQ.
Magalong said the driver will receive P300 per scheduled trip or P600 a week as financial assistance from the city government that will be implemented starting Monday, May 4 until May 15.
He said with the financial assistance, drivers will revert back to collecting the minimum fare rate of P9 following Department of Transportation (DOTr) guidelines.
Only 10 passengers per travel will be maintained in consideration to social distancing. Driver and passengers should wear face masks outside of their residences.
Members of the Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) Association will have to get barangay certifications stating they were utilized to ferry market goers, which will be the basis in the transfer of the fund from the city to the association, and subsequently to the drivers.
Meanwhile, the City Engineering Office (CEO) is preparing its economic recovery program for the transport sector to ensure smooth transition from ECQ to general community quarantine after May 15.