PUV drivers, operators to get P6,500 cash aid

MANILA, Philippines — Starting this week, drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) whose livelihoods were affected by quarantine restrictions may each receive P6,500 in direct cash subsidy from the government, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Wednesday.

Under Republic Act No. 11494, or the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act, the DOTr will receive P1.16 billion to help “critically impacted road-based stakeholders.”

Among the beneficiaries are operators of public utility jeepneys and buses, point-to-point buses, minibuses, UV Express and FilCab that are authorized to ply routes recognized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

According to the DOTr, beneficiaries may use the direct cash subsidy to pay their debts, fuel, and other operational and maintenance expenses or to purchase safety equipment, supplies and facilities such as face mask, face shield and alcohol.

The P6,500 direct cash subsidy will be given to the beneficiaries either through their Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Pantawid Pasada Program Cash Cards, existing LBP accounts or other bank accounts through PesoNet and Instapay.With the gradual and calibrated resumption of public transportation due to the pandemic, PUVs are still operating at limited capacity, while some have yet to return to their routes.

Still struggling

As of Wednesday, a total of 46,984 PUVs and 46,504 taxis and transport network vehicle services have been allowed to resume operations.

Of this number, 33,979 traditional jeepneys, or around 70 percent of the prepandemic fleet, have been allowed to return to the streets.

The DOTr said it recognized the financial needs of PUV operators who, despite being allowed to operate again, still struggle to earn enough for the operation and maintenance costs of their units.

On Nov. 6, the DOTr started implementing its transport service contracting program where the government would pay PUV operators and drivers who were left without any means of livelihood by the pandemic.

Under service contracting, the government collects the fares from the riders and pays the PUV operator assigned to a specific route a fixed amount.

Operators will be subject to key performance standards, such as the number of trips and safety, allowing them to focus on improving services for commuters.