More than 500 public transport drivers and conductors who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic will be given a chance to become riders and delivery partners of motorcycle ride-hailing platform JoyRide.
This, after the motorcycle taxi firm partnered with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to provide new livelihood to displaced drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles (PUVs). Those who will get recruited will become JoyRide bikers and Happy Move Delivery drivers.
Noli Eala, JoyRide's vice president for corporate affairs, said the "DOTr-JoyRide Pangkabuhayan Program" was in line with the call of Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade to help transport service providers amid the health crisis.
"Ito ay bahagi na ng serbisyo na alay ng JoyRide para maibsan ang paghihirap ng ating mga kababayan lalong lalo na sa gitna ng pandemya (This is part of JoyRide's efforts to alleviate the suffering of Filipino workers, especially in the middle of a pandemic)," Eala explained.
Interested applicants will be required to register for a JoyRide Biker Account at bit.ly/JoyRideRegister. After signing up, applicants will need to bring their complete requirements to the JoyRide PH Onboarding Facility in Antipolo City where they will undergo orientation, safety training, and skills test.
According to Eala, JoyRide and Happy Move are open to applicants aged 20 to 55. However, those 50 years old and above will be required to submit a medical certificate stating that they are fit to work.
JoyRide will also provide a special lane for drivers and conductors at the facility to expedite their application process.
For his part, Tugade thanked JoyRide and vowed that the DOTr would extend help to drivers and conductors by continuing to partner with the private sector.
"Malaking bagay ang mabigyan natin ng pag-asa ang ating mga kasamahan sa road transport sector nang sa ganoon ay walang magugutom, walang mamamalimos, at walang maiiwan (Giving hope to our friends in the road transport sector is a big deal since it will prevent them from going hungry, begging, and being left behind)," the DOTr chief added.