Deployment of traditional jeepneys in GCQ areas ‘not in the immediate horizon’ — Roque

Malacañang on Wednesday stood by the government’s current policy of barring the deployment of traditional jeepneys even in areas under general community quarantine due to safety concerns.

“It’s not in the immediate horizon because it’s almost a physical impossibility to have social distancing when passengers face each other in a jeepney,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque told ANC.

Metro Manila shifted to a less stringent general community quarantine this week, but public transport services remain limited, forcing commuters to spend hours on the road to get to their destination.

The Department of Transportation earlier said gradual resumption of public transportation will be made in two phases, with the first phase from June 1 to 21, allowing trains and bus augmentation, taxis, transport network vehicle services, shuttle services, point-to-point buses, and bicycles.

Tricycles will also be allowed, subject to the approval of the concerned local government units.

Jeepneys, along with public utility buses, modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) or jeepneys, and UV Express vehicles are only allowed under the Phase 2 covered from June 22 to 30.

“I understand these kinds of modern jeepneys might be deployed sooner than later; the traditional face to face jeepney, out of the question for now,” Roque said. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News