With GCQ, jeepney drivers, operators should reduce boundary —ACTO

Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO) on Saturday called on operators and drivers of jeepneys to agree on slashing boundary rates as public utility vehicles (PUVs) are only allowed to operate at 50% passenger load in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

“Sa nakikita po natin, kung kalahati lang po ang ating isasakay, dapat magkaisa ang mga driver at operator na bawasan na lamang din ang binabayaran na boundary,” ACTO president Efren de Luna said in an interview on Dobol sa News TV.

In the operation protocols for PUVs released by the DOTr, passenger load for buses and jeepneys should not exceed 50% of the vehicle’s capacity to ensure physical distancing among passengers to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

“Mga driver, lugi sa mga panuntunan sa public transportation sa GCQ areas,” de Luna said.

The transport group chief, however, said what is important is that jeepneys can start to operate.

“Kung kumita man ng 200 o 300 ay malaking bagay na po 'yun,” de Luna said.

ACTO also called on the government to allow traditional or old jeepneys to ply the roads.

Transportation Undersecretary Artemio Tuazon earlier said that old jeepneys can operate in GCQ areas. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News