Jeepneys in San Mateo, Rizal to halt operations anew starting June 3

Jeepneys in San Mateo, Rizal will once again be banned from plying the roads starting Wednesday, June 3, after initial confusion about quarantine regulations led to the return of several jeepneys to the streets.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, some drivers had been using plastic or cartons as dividers for their jeepneys.

However, there were also some jeepneys that had no barriers between passengers.

Some drivers said their income dropped significantly since quarantine restrictions were imposed due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Floyd Mcling said he used to earn around P2,500 a day prior to the pandemic but now only rakes in about P400 on average.

“Wala na po talaga. Kaya kahit ano, bumabiyahe pa rin para kahit papaano malamanan ang tiyan, okay na,” driver Justine Abellera added.

Joint Task Force COVID Shield chief Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said the police will begin apprehending jeepney drivers caught operating starting Wednesday.

“Starting tomorrow… talagang huhulihin sila being colorum ‘yung kanilang operation,” he explained.

The ban on jeepneys poses problems to 70 percent of some 270,000 San Mateo residents who work in Metro Manila.

At present, only four municipal-owned vehicles are able to offer free rides.

The Department of Transportation earlier said modern PUVs or jeepneys may resume operations from June 22 to 30.  -Julia Mari Ornedo/MDM, GMA News