2,248 UV Express units allowed to resume ops in 20 NCR routes

Although some 2,200 UV Express units have been allowed to resume operations in 20 routes in Metro Manila, drivers and operators said they are still not earning enough.

Two of the routes are Marikina-Ayala, Makati (fare: P60) and Marikina-Ortigas Center (fare: P50), according to Bam Alegre's report on Unang Balita on Tuesday.

All in all, a total of 2,248 UV Express units have been allowed to resume operations, based to Memorandum Circular No. 2020066.

Erwin Tiglao, driver-operator and supervisor of the two aforementioned routes, said drivers are still not earning enough since they have to reduce passenger capacity in order to observe health and safety protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 18 maximum passenger capacity per unit, it has been trimmed down to nine under the one-seat-apart policy.

Still, Tiglao said they are thankful that they have been allowed to resume operations after months of suspension.

"Malaking bagay ho dahil ito lang ang hanapbuhay namin, kahit papaano meron, kesa kagaya nung lockdown talagang walang-wala," he said. —KBK, GMA News