Update on Cash Aid for Drivers (PUV) amid Fuel Price Hike
CASH AID FOR DRIVERS – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) spoke on the fuel subsidy for PUV drivers amid the pump prices increase.
The series of increases in the prices of oil has affected a lot of people most especially the public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers. Even before the oil price hike, the PUV drivers are already struggling to make ends meet. The seating capacity of jeepneys, the same as other public transportation, was reduced to give way for social distancing inside the vehicle.
Aside from the reduced capacity in PUVs, many people are under a work-from-home set-up thus the usual number of commuters dropped. The population of employees is aside from the drop caused by the current educational setup. Most students now are staying at home and only attending classes online or through modules. Truth be told that a big part of the daily commuters is composed of the students.
Recently, for several weeks now, the pump prices continues to go up. According to transport groups, they called for help from the government but no assistance was extended.
At least four (4) transport groups talked and agreed to push for a fare increase. They apologized to the commuters explaining that they sought help from the government but they have yet to receive any assistance.
Recently, LTFRB confirmed that cash aid for the drivers of PUVs will be given under the Pantawid Pasada Program. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra confirmed that P1-billion was approved for the fuel subsidy of PUV drivers.
Delgra stressed that the cash aid for drivers of PUVs will be given to “legitimate qualified franchise holders and their drivers”. Based on the report, there are still no details about the date of the release of the fuel subsidy.
According to LTFRB, they are looking for means to give the cash grant directly to the beneficiaries contrary to the initial plan to distribute it through the operators or franchise holders. More updates may be posted soon.
READ ALSO: Cash Aid of P5,000 for PUV Drivers – Transport Group Says “Not enough”