2nd phase of service contracting program for PUV drivers, operators yields 40-M free rides

The second phase of the service contracting program that provides transportation for essential workers at no cost has culminated.

In a statement, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) — led by Chairman Atty. Martin Delgra III — said that the program that under 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA) has yielded more than 40 million free rides.

Aside from the helping commuters with the mobility challenges early in the pandemic, the program was implemented to help public utility vehicle operators and drivers earn their keep with government paying for the trips that they run.

Based on the latest the tally of the LTFRB, the second phase (which is from September 13, 2021 till December 19, 2021) resulted to 40,779,354 rides made. This had a P3-billion subsidy and only P2,364,175,911.41 was used.

Meanwhile, the first phase of the program — that covers March 30, 2021 to June 30, 2021 — has reached 31,653,982 million ridership . Under the initial Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, it had a P5.56-billion budget and only P4,513,002,722.89 was utilized.

Further, the agency said that it remains committed in providing payouts and incentives to operators and drivers who participated in the program.

“Isang malaking karangalan para sa ahensya ang mabigyang pagkakataon na magsilbi sa ating mga kababayang commuter, operator at driver ngayong panahon ng pandemya. Lubos ang pasasalamat ng ahensya sa malasakit at serbisyong inihahatid ng mga operator at driver para sa ating mga commuter. Saludo po kami sa inyo (It is a great honor for the agency to be given the opportunity to serve our fellow commuters, operators and drivers in this time of pandemic. The agency is very grateful for the care and service provided by the operators and drivers for our commuters. We salute you)!” the LTFRB said.

Relatedly, the LTFRB said that the information on the third phase of the Service Contracting Program will be announced at its official Facebook page or call the LTFRB Program Implementing Unit Office at (02) 8529 - 7111 local 845 or at LTFRB 24/7 Hotline: 1342.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board

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