Old jeepneys eased out in GCQ guidelines, says transport group

A transport organization lamented that drivers of old jeepneys are slowly being eased out in the implementation of the general community quarantine (GCQ) in select areas.

The Stop and Go Transport Coalition said the government appeared to be prioritizing modernized jeepneys and buses in the guidelines its released in allowing public utility vehicles (PUVs) to ply the roads anew following a lockdown to curb the COVID-19 spread, according to Katrina Son's report on 24 Oras.

"Ang air-conditioned, mas dangerous ka roon eh dahil kapag umubo ang isang tao, hindi na lalabas ng sasakyan 'yun, doon na iikot 'yun. Unlike naman ng open jeep, 'pag umubo ka sa unahan lalabas lang sa likod 'yan," the groups president, Jun Magno, said.

Magno said many drivers are also complaining about the new rule of allowing only 50% passengers on PUVs in keeping with social distancing measures.

"'Yung isang trip mo, kung P300 ang kita mo dahil puno, dito P150 na lang," Magno added.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier laid down the guidelines to be enforced on PUVs that will operate in areas with downgraded lockdown or GCQ.  

"Unang-una, titingnan po natin kung puwedeng magpatakbo ng mga bus doon sa kanilang mga ruta. Kapag walang mga bus and modernized jeepneys, saka lang tayo papayag sa lumang jeepney," DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark de Leon had said.

Under the GCQ, PUVs should also secure a special permit from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

"Bakit kailangan pa naming humingi ng special permit? May prangkisa naman kami, parang salungat 'yon. Kasi kung ano ang ruta namin, doon din kami bibiyahe," Magno said.

The DOTR clarified that modernized jeepneys are prioritized also due to the tap card system which prevents close contact of passengers. Modern jeepneys are also wider and the height of their ceilings is higher.

"Hindi na boundary-based ang kanilang pagpapatakbo. Meaning kahit na puno or hindi puno ang kanilang sasakyan, wala silang pakialam 'pag biyahe sila. Unlike 'yung mga boundary-based na driver, siyempre ang tendency niyan pupunuin 'yung kanilang mga sasakyan bago bumiyahe," de Leon said.

A special permit is needed by drivers to ensure the three essential components of safety, capacity and coverage or scope are followed.

Safety includes the wearing of face masks and gloves of drivers, and disinfection of the vehicle and their terminals, according to the DOTR. While under the capacity category, buses and jeepneys should follow the less than 50% passenger load.

UV express and taxis, meanwhile, should not exceed the two passengers per row guideline, while tricycles should follow the one-passenger rule.

Private vehicles and motorcycles may also travel under GCQ as long as it is an "essential travel." Only one person is allowed in front in private vehicles, and up to only two passengers are allowed per row.

DOTr said any kind of public transportation is still prohibited in areas under ECQ.

The agency has submitted to Congress a stimulus package, including fuel subsidy and loans with low interest, to assist struggling drivers and operators.

Driver Rico Lapaz has converted his jeepney as shelter following the ECQ.

He is one of the 15 drivers in Nagtahan in Manila who failed to go home to his home province in Bicol.  Because of the lockdown, he has no means of living and is just relying on relief packs.

"Sana po matulungan kami tungkol doon sa binibigay na amelioration para naman maibsan 'yung mga pangangailangan ng bawat isa sa amin," Lapaz said.

"Naghihintay lang po kami, talagang walang magbibigay, wala rin. Nag-iisa lang ako rito, eh apat ang anak ko tapos may special child pa po ako, eh 'yung asawa ko pa," jeepney driver Gamaliel Aniñon said.

They called on the government to include them in the beneficiairies of the cash aid.  —Jamil Santos/LDF, GMA News