Delgra: UV Express first before traditional jeeps next week

Jeepneys will be allowed on the streets next week after a three-month ban amid the quarantine protocols implemented due to COVID-19 pandemic, Chairman Martin Delgra of the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Friday.

Delgra said this a day after presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases has yet to approve the return of jeepneys, which the government views as a risk for getting COVID-19 since passengers sit face-to-face inside it.

“Sa Lunes, magsisimula na iyong UV Express. We are looking at 30 routes. Within the same week, magbubukas naman iyong traditional jeepneys,” Delgra said in an inteview over Dobol B sa News TV.

“This is in accordance with the policy of the Department of Transportation, iyong hierarchy of public transport, at na-approve na po ito ng IATF,” he added.

IATF is the government’s policy-making body for the COVID-19 response.

Buses and modern public utility vehicles have been allowed to ply the streets to serve commuters since June 1, and based on the hierarchy set by the government, UV Express and jeepneys will only be allowed to operate if there is not enough public transportation available.

“Inaayos na iyong ruta ng mga jeepneys. Kung di makayanan ngayong araw, baka bukas [malaman na natin ang ruta nila],” Delgra said.

Jeepney drivers have appealed to the government to allow them to operate, citing loss of livelihood. Many of them have resorted to begging on the streets. —KBK, GMA News