Tugade calls on PUV drivers to join service contracting program

The leadership of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is urging the drivers of public utility vehicles to join the Service Contracting Program (SCP) as means of earning a living while the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said that the SCP will provide livelihood to participating drivers with the incentives from the government.

"Sa ating mga kasamahang drayber, huwag po nating palampasin ang oportunidad. Lumahok ho kayo sa Service Contracting Program ng pamahalaan. Makatutulong ho ito para madagdagan ang inyong kinikita sa araw-araw. Sayang din ho ang dagdag na kita para pambili ng pagkain at pang-suporta sa pamilya. Para sa inyo po ito (To our drivers, let's take advantage of the opportunity. Join government's Service Contracting Program. This will help augment your daily income which could help buy food and support your family. This is for you," Tugade explained.

The above-mentioned program of the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is among those launched under the "Bayanihan to Recover as One Act." Under the SCP, drivers will be given performance-based incentives to ensure quality service to be accorded to their passengers.

According to the DOTr, qualified to participate are drivers of modern and traditional jeepneys  and public utility buses (PUBs) that have an active route.

Based on the program, participating jeepney drivers can earn P11 per kilometer as incentive while bus drivers will receive P23.10 per kilometer. The said amount will be given on a weekly basis via online banking modes such as GCash, PayMaya, or Land Bank accounts.

To those who want to join the program, drivers may register at www.servicecontracting.ph.

Meanwhile, some 44 routes are now offering free rides to essential workers and Authorized Persons Outside of their Residence (APOR) under enhanced community quarantine.

These free rides will be operational from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. To easily identify those that offer free rides, these vehicle will bear signs saying: "Libreng sakay para sa mga authorized persons outside residence.”

Photos from Department of Transportation

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