Hoping to get even one passenger, Roldan Ramos, a jeepney driver, parked his vehicle along PNR Road in Barangay Mayombo, Dagupan City around 10 a.m. on June 5. But after several minutes of waiting, no one boarded the vehicle.

Ramos, who drives a Manaoag-Dagupan route, said they’ve been struggling to earn since their route was diverted to PNR Road, which is still under construction.

The rerouting, he said, has taken a toll on their income.

“Nahirapan kami sa pagkuha ng pasahero. Wala na kaming nakukuha [at] nakikita,” Ramos added.

Before the rerouting, he used to earn P800 daily. Now, he’s lucky if he can bring home P400 for his family. He said more passengers used to ride when their route passed directly through M.H. del Pilar Street.

“Sana makadiretso na rin kami dun para ipatas nila,” he added.

The problem affects not only Manaoag-bound jeepneys but also routes going to Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto, and Laoac.

The Dagupan City Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) asked for understanding from affected drivers and commuters, saying the temporary rerouting is meant to ease overall congestion.

“Iniiwas po natin ‘yung eastern jeepneys para hindi na humalo sa M.H. del Pilar kasi dun talaga ‘yung bottleneck ng traffic,” POSO Deputy Chief Rexon de Vera said.

Officials promised that once road improvements are completed, travel and income for drivers will return to normal.