Government’s efforts to make public transportation more accessible to commuters during the pandemic will translate to the employment of almost 9,000 displaced drivers.
During the public address of President Duterte on Monday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced it had already conducted the orientation and training of 7,000 drivers for its service contracting program.
He said another 1,838 drivers from other regions will also participate in the said initiative.
Under the P5.58-billion program, DOTr will hire the operators and drivers of some bus companies to transport passengers in selected areas.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said this will give people a predictable and convenient commute during the pandemic.
He said public-utility vehicles which will participate in the program will ply their routes with or without any passengers.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the program will be implemented in the National Capital Region, Cebu, Davao, Caraga, as well as in Regions 10, 6, 9, and 1.
Expanded capacity
IN a related development, Tugade also reported they have expanded the capacity of trains and other public transportation after they restricted their operations during the onset of the pandemic last March.
He said the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT 1) had its passenger capacity increase from 158 to 370, while LRT 2 from 160 to 486.
The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) also increased its passenger capacity from 153 to 372, while the Philippine National Railways (PNR) from 166 to 219.
Tugade also reported they were able to successfully increase the speed of MRT 3 to 60 kilometers per hour this month after they completed its railway replacement.
He said this will now reduce the waiting time between trains from 9 minutes to 3.4 minutes.
DOTr also reported it was able to implement an electronic ticketing system for seaports as well as the reopening of more airports.
As of December 6, 2020, Tugade also reported 36 of 49 airports nationwide have resumed operations.