Over 19,000 PUVs join gov't service contracting program

More than 19,000 public utility vehicles (PUVs) across the country are expected to operate under the government’s service contracting program (SCP) starting Monday amid high fuel costs.

Several drivers in Pasig City have already registered for the program with some modern jeepneys along Marcos Highway displaying tarpaulins indicating their participation, GMA News’ EJ Gomez reported on Unang Balita.

Others are expected to sign up within the week after initial participation remained low when the program was launched last week, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Data from the DOTr showed that the participating PUVs include traditional and modern jeepneys as well as UV Express units. 

The SCP will run for two to three weeks.

Under the program, the government will pay drivers based on distance traveled: P30 per kilometer for traditional jeepneys, P40 per kilometer for modern jeepneys, and P100 per kilometer for buses.

Contracted drivers will ply over 800 high-density routes nationwide, with 545 routes located in Metro Manila and nearby provinces including Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal. 

Participants are required to grant a 20% fare discount to passengers and travel a minimum of 100 kilometers per day.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr said the service contracting program would be implemented during off-peak hours to ensure that commuters would have public transportation even outside the rush hours.

Despite the initiative, some drivers expressed concern that their earnings remain inadequate due to the continued increase in diesel prices.

One driver said that while he had registered for the program, the income remained too low to support his family. 

Others also raised issues about delays in receiving government assistance, with some claiming they have yet to receive promised aid despite repeated registration attempts.

For some drivers, the mandated 20% fare discount further reduces their already limited income.

They said lowering diesel prices would be a more effective solution to ease the financial impact of the crisis.

Marcos on Saturday urged oil companies to implement the rollback for both diesel and gasoline prices in full and without delay, amid an expected major cut in pump prices this week.

In a video message, Marcos said diesel price is expected to go down by P24.94 per liter, gasoline by P3.41, and kerosene by P2.00. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News