At least 30 jeepneys in Quezon City were converted into delivery service vehicles as the government still prohibit them from transporting passengers amid general community quarantine.
The local government partnered with a delivery service application and tapped the jeepney drivers to deliver products and goods in Quezon City, Ian Cruz reported on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.
The jeepney drivers said the program much helped them to earn since they were not able to work since March due to the lockdown imposed nationwide.
“Kasi wala na kaming hanap buhay. Para naman kumita kami kahit papaano dahil hirap na ho kami talaga,” one of the jeepney drivers said.
(We lost our livelihood. This our way to earn because we struggled to live.)
The delivery service application said the project would also address the delivery needs of the residents in the city.
However, not all jeepney drivers were in favor of the setup, especially those who are already old and are not capable of lifting products.
“Sa edad kong ‘to baka ‘di ko na kaya na rin eh kasi ‘di maiwasan magbubuhat, ‘di ba? Tapos aakyat mo sa building, obligado ka rin. ‘Pag kukuha ka naman ng alalay, babayran mo rin yun,” 59-year-old Gerry Tano said.
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The delivery service application said the requirements for the drivers who want to convert their jeepneys as delivery service vehicles are as follows:
- at least 21 years old
- healthy
- has a smartphone
- barangay, police, and National Bureau of Investigation clearances
- professional driver’s license
- jeepney documents
- jeepney’s photo
- driver’s photo
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, meanwhile said drivers who would join the program are required to get a special permit.
“Kailangan kumuha ho sila ng permit for the delivery kasi nga sabi nga namin sila ay franchise holders,” Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board technical division chief Joel Bolano said.
(They need first to get a permit for the delivery because they are franchise holders.)
The “LalaJeep” project is set to begin on Monday and will run until July.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said yesterday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking at the possibility of making traditional jeepneys for delivery services, which became popular amid COVID-19 lockdown.