MANILA, Philippines — Transport collectives staged a protest Thursday in front of the offices of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board office in East Avenue, calling for the return of all traditional jeepneys idled for five months following the suspension of public transportation in March. Traditional public utility jeepneys have largely received the short end of the stick, with transportation officials often citing social distancing reasons and instead favoring modern PUJs for deployment. Until then, transport workers, including drivers and operators, continue to languish without livelihood in quarantine, while some are forced to beg on the streets. "What we're asking for is for 100% of [traditional jeepneys] to be able to ride again and serve the public and help lift the economy of our country. “Drivers and operators are hoping they can go back to earning a living.

Source: Philippine Star August 20, 2020 04:18 UTC