A PLANNED aid is being crafted for the transportation sector in the Summer Capital.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong discussed with the transition team a planned subsidy for public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers spanning six months.
In the meeting, city officials are in the midst of crafting a stimulus package for jeepney drivers affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis by providing a subsidy in the aim of convincing the sector to offer lower fares in consideration of commuters who are also affected by the pandemic.
At present, jeepneys are charging P20 to recover their operational expenses.
However, jeepneys plying the Irisan route were apprehended by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for overcharging passengers, causing a halt in operations for jeeps to the inconvenience of residents.
LTO personnel apprehended six drivers of Irisan-bound jeeps and took their licenses. They also received citation tickets for charging passengers P20, instead of the regular P10 fare.
Magalong intervened for the drivers with the LTO and explained the double the fare rate was approved by barangays during a dialog with the community during the onset of the enhance community quarantine, explaining barangays were mandated to coordinate with jeepneys to function as special trip for residents as long as they follow social distancing rules.
The LTO returned the licenses and waived fees which amounted to over P10,000 for each driver.
The mayor tasked Traffic Management Office head Richard Lardizabal to consult with PUJ groups on the proposal as the Pinagkaisang Lakas ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide – Metro Baguio welcomed the city's plan.
Piston-Metro Baguio also thanked the city for intervening in behalf of the jeepney drivers flagged by LTO traffic enforcers.
