Transport groups express concerns over GPS devices in service contracting

Some leaders of transport groups have raised concerns over the need for global positioning system (GPS) devices on public utility vehicles (PUV) that will be included in the government's service contracting program.

According to Saleema Refran's report on "24 Oras," the Department of Transportation (DOTr) proposed using GPS devices to track real-time locations of PUVs, which can be used as a basis for the service contracting payouts.

DOTr Secretary Giovannie Lopez said that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is now in talks with at least 20 GPS providers to provide the devices at a P500 monthly rent.

However, transport groups claim that this was yet another cost for them to shoulder.

“May mga service provider ng GPS na lumapit sa LTFRB. Mas mauuna na naman po ulit ang kita sa amin ’yan kasi kailangan namin bumili ng GPS para ma-monitor ang ilang kilometro yung tinakbo namin,” said Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena.

(There are GPS service providers that have approached LTFRB. They would be the first ones to earn before we do, since we’d have to buy the GPS first so they can monitor how many kilometers we’ve driven.)

An estimated 50,000 public vehicles in 823 routes will take part in the government’s Service Contracting Program.

Under said program, a 20% discount will be given to passengers of participating Jeep, UV Express, and buses, on top of the regular 20% student, PWD, or senior citizen discounts.

The government has guaranteed to pay P30 to P100 per kilometer for participating PUVs, placing a cap at 100 kilometers per day.

DOTr also computed that participating PUVs would take home no less than P1,000 for every P5,000 income, even with discounts, fuel, and boundaries considered.

Meanwhile, jeepney drivers and operators hope for better program implementation.

“Maganda ’yan kung maganda rin ’yung bigay sa mga driver. Kasi sa aming araw-araw, ang kailangan namin pang-diesel eh. hindi naman kasi pwede utang sa gasolinahan eh… Kung bigayan matagal, buwan-buwan, tapos hindi mo naman makukuha, kawawa driver,” said jeepney driver Roberto Corpin.

(It would be good if they pay the drivers on time. We need money every single day for diesel, since we can’t take out loans at the gas station… If the payouts take too long, every month, and you can’t even claim them, then the drivers would lose.)

“Nag-utos tayo sa LTFRB na ang payment nito ay 3 to 5 days. Hindi na tulad dati na aabot ng isang buwan, kasi it defeats the purpose, it defeats the program,” said Lopez.

(We have ordered the LTFRB that the payouts must be made within 3 to 5 days. It shouldn’t be like last time when it took a month, since it defeats the purpose, it defeats the program.)

The transport chief also assured that payouts will be directly sent to operators and drivers through their bank accounts or e-wallets.

The Service Contracting Program is currently being discussed only for PUVs based on routes, which does not include taxis, TNVS, or motorcycle taxis.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II assured that the program is only in its initial phase. –Jiselle Anne c. Casucian/NB, GMA News