PARTLY subsidized by the Pampanga Provincial Government, 500 drivers of public utility jeepneys (PUJ) have agreed to ply their routes starting this Friday, June 5, and to collect regular fares among passengers.

Governor Dennis Pineda said the project, called "Tulong Pasada," responds to the request of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) and other sectors to support workers as the National Government allows several businesses to restart under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Under the project, Capitol pays in part the fuel and the driver.

"Ang mga drivers po ay nawalan din ng kita simula mag-quarantine tayo laban sa Covid-19. Tinutulungan po natin sila na kumita ulit para sa kanilang mga pamilya," Pineda said.

"Capitol made sure that all 19 towns and three cities in the province are served by the participating PUJs," said Angie Blanco, executive officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Colonel Jean Fajardo, provincial police director, has assigned police personnel as dispatchers in the terminal to enforce the wearing of face masks and physical distancing.

"Tulong Pasada" came after the implementation of "Libreng Sakay 1" where Capitol mobilized service vehicles from 505 barangays to ferry workers. In "Libreng Sakay 2," Capitol dispatched 549 PUJs and 20 large buses to bring passengers to work. (PR)