Driver creates 'Honesty Jeepney' to reduce contact among passengers

Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, jeepney passengers rely on each other to make sure their fare reaches the driver.

With the new normal, however, jeepney drivers must come up with another payment system in order to adhere to social distancing measures.

In Shai Lagarde's report for "Stand for Truth," a driver in Cagayan de Oro has created an "Honesty Jeepney" to reduce contact among passengers.

"Sabi ko, gagawa kaya ako ng fare collection box? Para dun na lang sila maglalagay ng pamasahe nila, di na kailangang pasa-pasa pa sa pasahero para iabot sa driver," said Reynan Malubay.

The boxes also double as the barrier between passengers. Reynan placed them on the seats with enough space for one passenger in between.

The system relies on the honesty of the passengers to pay the correct amount of cash, and so far it is working.

"Instead na 'yung ibibigay nila sakto lang na pamasahe, marami ang sumosobra. 'Yung kinikita ko nun, almost the same na dun sa biyahe namin noon nung wala pang COVID," Reynan said.

He did install a camera behind the driver's seat to monitor his passengers, but he said he has chosen not to go after those who would not pay.

"Nabubuhay ba 'yung bayanihan. Iniisip siguro nila, syempre iilan lang 'yung sakay namin tapos hindi pa magbabayad," he said. "Naniniwala akong mas maraming mababait na tao."

According to Dr. Edsel Salvana, an infectious disease expert, the virus can remain alive on money for a few hours.

Reynan still has to touch the cash inside the boxes to get his income, so he takes precautions before handling anything.

"Pag binubuksan namin 'to, sa tabo naglalagay kami ng Zonrox para ma-disinfect lahat ng pera," he said. —MGP, GMA News