Jeepney drivers association asks gov't to allow them to resume operations

A jeepney drivers association in Manila on Friday asked the government  to allow them to resume plying their routes.

Rico Lapaz, Paco Nagtahan Jeepney Drivers Association president, vowed to ensure social distancing and implement safety measures in their vehicles to prevent further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Maglalagay din kami ng dibisyon para sa kapakanan ng pasahero at proteksyon ng mga driver namin para hindi naman sila mahawa ng sakit na COVID,” he said in an interview with dzBB reporter Isa Umali posted on Twitter.

WATCH: Ayon kay Rico Lapaz, Paco Nagtahan Jeepney Drivers Association president, sana'y mapayagan na silang makapamasada.

Aniya, titiyakin ng mga tsuper ang social distancing at iba pang safety measures laban sa COVID-19. #BantayCOVID19 via @Isa_Umali pic.twitter.com/Maes8vqn2M

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 30, 2020

Many jeepney drivers have resorted to asking for food and water as they no longer have money to support their families.

The Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, now at Day 47, barred public utility vehicles, including jeepneys, from plying their routes.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Thursday some mass transportation will be allowed to operate in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) provided that one-meter distancing among passengers will be observed.

However, jeepneys are still banned to operate in areas under GCQ.

"Makikita niyo 'yung configuration ng jeepney, magkakaharap 'yung tao diyan kapag lumabas 'yung isang pasahero diyan, mabubugahan niya 'yung dadaanan niya," Año said.—AOL, GMA News