Few jeepneys out on roads on first day additional units allowed in Metro Manila

Only a few jeepneys were seen on Metro Manila roads on Wednesday, the first day of the resumption of additional jeepney operations, according to reports on GMA News’ Unang Balita.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) allowed almost 2,000 more jeeps along 17 additional routes in Metro Manila after months of suspension due to the COVID-19 threat.

According to a report of Darlene Cay, many commuters in Caloocan City still struggled to secure a ride due to the limited number of jeeps.

A few jeeps started to ply the route of Caloocan to Malabon with a handful of passengers. Most of the commuters still preferred buses over jeeps.

The situation was the same along the Marikina-Cubao route, according to a report of Mark Makalalad.

Tradisyunal na jeepney na rutang Marikina-Cubao, matumal pa ang byahe I @dzbb pic.twitter.com/lOgcjPmkAp

— Mark Makalalad (@MMakalalad) July 28, 2020

Some of the terminals remained vacant despite the resumption of jeepney operations for their routes.

Also, some drivers said they are still preparing to resume operations, while others refused to drive because of the limited number of passengers allowed per trip as required by authorities.

At a terminal in Tandang Sora, Quezon City on Wednesday morning, the drivers had just started to prepare for health protocol requirements in light of the COVID-19 threat, according to a report of Bam Alegre.

The jeepneys at the terminal will undergo disinfection and installation of barriers. Other health safety equipment like thermal scanners were also being prepared. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News