Jeepney drivers lament lack of passengers despite eased restrictions

Jeepney drivers in Metro Manila lamented the lack of passengers despite restrictions in the NCR Plus area being eased to a modified enhanced community quarantine.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, while they are allowed to ply the streets anew, some jeepney drivers chose to not work due to the lack of passengers.

Gerardo Roquia said when he returned to the streets, he only earned P50.

“Kung babiyahe pa ulit, wala na. Pawala na pasahero eh,” he said.

(There are no more passengers left.)

For Boboy Robina, he decided to venture into another possible livelihood to be able to feed his family.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board urged drivers to join the government’s service contracting program amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the program, drivers affected by the pandemic will receive an initial payout of P4,000 which they may use to pay for debts, fuel, and other operational and maintenance expenses or to purchase safety equipment, supplies, and facilities.

Interested applicants may register at www.servicecontracting.ph or they may go to the LTFRB office and bring the following requirements:

•    driver’s license
•    OR/CR of the jeepney
•    certificate of public convenience

— Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News