Transport Group Speaks on Government Cash Aid for PUV Drivers
CASH AID – The ALTODAP transport group said that the Php 5,000.00 financial aid for the PUV drivers is a big help but it is not enough.
Among the main public transportation in the Philippines are jeepneys and taxi cabs. Many people travel to work and school daily through these public transportation. Before the pandemic started, it is already common thing to see fully-loaded jeepneys during the peak hours of the day.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic which calls for social distancing inside the public utility vehicles, drivers have to abide by the reduction of the capacity. They also had to install plastic covers as part of the efforts in the pursuit to prevent the spread of the disease.
Although the fare now is quite higher compared to the fare during the pre-pandemic days, drivers’ income is still affected as the number of people going out daily is not the same as before.
Many people now are under a work-from-home setting and they only go out for essential purposes like buying food. Students are also under blended learning – through online classes and modules and most of them are still not allowed to attend a physical class discussion.
Apart from the changes in the number of daily commuters, drivers are also greatly affected by the series of fuel a price increase. Previously, they asked apology from the commuters as they push for a fare increase of Php 3.00. According to the transport groups, they sought the help of the government but they were not heard.
Recently, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) confirmed that cash assistance will be given to PUV drivers. P1 billion is allocated for it to help some 178,000 drivers who are greatly affected by the oil price increase.
However, based on a report on ABS-CBN News, while the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) transport group recognizes Php 5,000.00 cash aid as a big help, they claim that it is not enough.
According to ALTODAP President Melencio “Boy” Vargas, it has to be clarified if it will be a one-time cash aid for PUV drivers or a monthly assistance. According to him, they will only retract the fare hike if Congress will fulfill its promise to allow the full capacity in both traditional and modern jeepneys and the P3.00 subsidy that oil companies will reportedly give to the drivers.
“Ako, sarili kong stand, hanggat hindi nila naibibigay yung mga sinasabing pinag-usapan sa Congress, sa akin malabong iatras ko yan,” Vargas said.
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