The government rolled out Monday the third phase of the Service Contracting Program that will assist the transport sector and the commuting public through the provision of more free rides.
Transportation Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said the project aims to provide profit for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers who will receive a weekly payment based on their traveled kilometer per week regardless of passenger count.
“Dati ang bus dito sa EDSA busway 82 [pesos] per km. , ngayon ay P84 per km. Ganoon din sa ating mga jeep, mula P54 naging P55 per km. in consideration na tumataas ‘yung presyo ng petroleum products,” Pastor said.
The EDSA Bus Carousel route was the first route activated. Pastor shared in the interview that they will also provide free rides in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Pastor added that the program will last until they have used all the allotted P7-billion fund for the project.
“Ito ay epektibo hangga’t may pondo. Kami ay naglaan [ng] P7-B at ito ay uubusin natin para masiguro ang kita ng ating drivers at operators, at [upang] makatipid ang ating mga kababayan sa gastos pang transportation,” he said. – ML/ag
