CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted Gov. Daniel R. Fernando’s request to allow public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators to operate their regular existing routes as the province has been placed under the more relaxed modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) from July 1 to 15.
According to the LTFRB order, their issuance of a special permit limits operations to 50 percent of capacity with an alternate schedule.
LTFRB representative Atty. Jesus Sison said that though more routes are now open, health protocols must still be followed, including the wearing of mask and gloves for drivers, "no face mask, no ride" and physical distancing for passengers, vehicle disinfection at the end of each trip, disinfection of frequently-touched surfaces every three hours, use of thermal scanner in terminals, and observance of the right fare rate, among others.
Based on the order, the minimum fare for traditional PUJs is P9.00 for the first four kilometers and an additional P1.50 per succeeding kilometer, while the minimum fare for modernized jeepneys is P11.00 and P1.50 per succeeding kilometer.
Meanwhile, Bulacan Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (BFJODA) Chairman Billy Tatil said on behalf of his colleagues that they are thankful they can now get back 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 fuel subsidy and medical assistance should they acquire COVID-19 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.
Provincial planning and development officer Arlene Pascual also asked them to suggest more routes in order to better serve commuters.