Traditional public utility jeepney (TPUJ) drivers participated in the last day of registration and orientation of the government's service contracting program Sunday.
The number of driver-participants reached 600 drivers before noon Sunday for the registration and orientation activity at the Quezon City Memorial Circle Basketball Covered Court.
The drivers were informed that it can accommodate up to 3,000 drivers, as the general registration will only run up to 5 p.m., and they were asked to strictly observe physical distancing.
The Service Contracting Program is in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. The program aims to ensure reliable and safe public transportation for commuters.
Due to the pandemic, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) launched the program that will provide additional revenues to jeepney and bus operators and drivers.
The orientation is part of the onboarding process led by LTFRB and the systems manager to enable drivers to better understand the Service Contracting Program and its components.
The LTFRB noted that only traditional jeepney drivers who are currently plying opened routes during the pandemic will be allowed to register.
They should also have the following requirements: Original and photocopy of Professional Driver’s License; certification signed by operator confirming that they are an authorized driver of the declared unit; two photocopies of operator's valid ID (back and front) with three signatures of their operator; and photocopy of the official receipt and Certificate of Registration of the jeepney they are driving.
The "No Face Shield, No Face Mask, No Entry, and Social Distancing" policy was strictly enforced and observed.
In order to strictly enforce social distancing, the reception of applicants per hour in the area is limited.
The activity only accepts up to 3,000 applicants per day, where registrant applicants will be divided into 500 drivers per batch.