500 jeeps back on Pampanga’s roads to aid workers
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO –– Using special permits from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and getting subsidies from the Pampanga provincial government, at least 500 drivers of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) resumed plying their routes on Friday and ferried workers.
“Tulong Pasada” was rolled out at the requests of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry and workers, Gov. Dennis Pineda said. It will last until June 15.
Pineda said the capitol provided subsidies amounting to P600 for fuel and income because drivers and operators said they would incur losses if they plied.
To comply with physical distancing rules, a vehicle can carry only eight passengers instead of the usual 20, while being required to collect regular fares before the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was imposed starting March 16.
Passengers complied with the wearing of face masks, stepping on foot baths and sitting a meter away from a fellow passenger, according to Col. Jean Fajardo, provincial police director.
During the modified ECQ, the provincial government fielded the service vehicles of 505 villages to give free rides to workers in government offices and private companies. The next free rides were given by 549 PUJs and 20 large buses whose runs for a week were paid by the capitol.
