Still barred from transporting people, QC jeepneys transform into delivery service vehicles

More than 30 jeepney drivers in Quezon City who lost their livelihood amid the COVID-19 pandemic have found a way to put their vehicles to good use once more, not in commuter transport but in delivery service.

According to Ian Cruz’s report on ’24 Oras” on Wednesday, the jeepney drivers were tapped to deliver goods in the city after the local government partnered with a delivery service application.

Several jeepney drivers said this would greatly help them because they have been out of work for the past three months that Luzon has been under quarantine.

“Kasi wala na kaming hanap buhay. Para naman kumita kami kahit papaano dahil hirap na ho kami talaga,” one of the jeepney drivers said.

“Kahit papaano, kikita na po kami ng income, makakabiyahe na rin po kami,” another driver added.

According to the delivery service application, this setup will also benefit city residents because their delivery needs will already be addressed.

However, not all jeepney drivers were in favor of the project.

“Sa edad kong ‘to baka ‘di ko na kaya na rin eh kasi ‘di maiwasan magbubuhat, ‘di ba? Tapos aakyat mo sa building, obligado ka rin. ‘Pag kukuha ka naman ng alalay, babayran mo rin yun,” 59-year-old Gerry Tano said.

Earlier, the first batch of jeepney drivers already underwent a seminar after submitting their requirements.

The delivery service application said the requirements for the drivers who want to register are as follows:

• at least 21 years old
• healthy
• has a smartphone
• barangay, police, and National Bureau of Investigation clearances
• professional driver’s license
• jeepney documents
• jeepney’s photo
• driver’s photo

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said it will also require all drivers to avail a special permit.

“Kailangan kumuha ho sila ng permit for the delivery kasi nga sabi nga namin sila ay franchise holders,” Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board technical division chief Joel Bolano said.

The project, which will be called as “LalaJeep” is set to begin on Monday and will run until July.

Earlier, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said jeepney drivers are allowed to resume operations but only as delivery services.

“Si Secretary [Arthur] Tugade may plano gawing delivery service ‘yong ating mga jeepneys kasi nga ‘di pupuwedeng sakyan kasi ‘di pwede ang social distancing,” he said. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/MDM, GMA News