SOME PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES FAIL TO OBEY SOCIAL DISTANCING, PUV DRIVERS’ INCOME AFFECTED

BUTUAN CITY – Following the implementation of localized community quarantine in Butuan City, Department of Transportation (DOTr) urges the public to comply with the guidelines for mass public transport facilities under Executive Order No. 019 Series of 2020 Section 7, such as limiting the 6-seater tricycle to board a maximum of 3 passengers and restricting multicabs to 8 commuters while the front seat should be left vacant.

However, several public transport facilities did not conform to the aforementioned guidelines.

Meanwhile, a group of taxi drivers shared how their income is affected because of lesser passengers.

“Wala pa mi pangpamugas sa among pamilya. Unsaon na lang among abang ani, wala pa mi kita karon unsa ng orasa,” Joven Bahian said, a taxi driver.

(We don’t have money for our food consumption yet. What about our rent for the taxi when we don’t have earnings yet.)

Joven Salalac, a multicab driver, said he finds the new restrictions hard because he also needs to pay for the multicab rent.

Drivers are hoping for the government to hear their sentiments and provide them assistance.