DOTr, Grab mull shuttle service for APORs, frontliners

MANILA: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Grab are studying the feasibility of offering shuttle services to authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) and frontline workers during the 15-day MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) that starts today and lasts until August 18.

According to DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran, while the responsibility of ferrying employees is with private companies, the DOTr is coordinating with other government agencies to look into the possibility of providing not just shuttle services but even free rides for APORs.

“We will inquire with other government agencies for other ‘libreng sakay’ (free ride) efforts. Dati kasi may prinovide ang (In the past it was provided by the) Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, among others. Local government units also provided free shuttle services to their constituents,” said Libiran.

Currently, the DOTr has 150 buses giving free rides to health workers along 20 routes.

Grab, after suspending GrabCar operations as stipulated under MECQ protocols, is looking into providing shuttle services for frontline workers in order for their partner-drivers to continue their livelihood.

“Grab is also looking into the prospect of having our driver-partners provide mobility solutions to our hospital partners as dedicated shuttle fleet for their medical front liners,” said the transport network company in a statement.

In the meantime, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is urging private companies to hire public utility vehicles as shuttle services for their employees.

“Hinihikayat ng LTFRB ang mga pribadong kumpanya na mag-hire o mag-lease ng mga pampublikong sasakyan, gaya ng bus, UV Express, at moderno o traditional jeepneys na hindi makakabiyahe ngayong MECQ upang maging shuttle service ng kani-kanilang empleyado (The LTFRB encourages private companies to hire or lease PUVs such as bus, UV Express, and modern or traditional jeeps that would not be able to make a living during MECQ as shuttle service for their employees),” the LTFRB said in a statement.

To facilitate the process, the LTFRB will not require a special permit for PUVs that will be hired as shuttle services during the 15 days of the MECQ. All the operator needs to present is a letter of intent, indicating the route, from the private company that hired/leased their vehicles as shuttle service.

Photo from the DOTr Facebook page

Also read: NCR, select provinces back to MECQ on Aug. 4