The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Monday that the payout for drivers and operators that are participating in the Service Contracting Program has reached P4.7 billion.
Citing data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said the total amount involves the P1.91 billion released as of end-June, and another P2.29 billion as of October 23. These payouts were funded through the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.
The second phase of the program, meanwhile, is being funded through general appropriations. So far, the DOTr has disbursed P539.67 million to drivers and operators.
Tugade said the program will “continue to be implemented in different parts of the country.”
“We are inviting drivers and operators to join the Service Contracting Program, wherein the government will pay them on a per kilometer run basis to ensure the viability of their operations. This is a big help to our transport workers amid the pandemic,” he said.
In a nutshell, the program provides for the contracting of operators and drivers for certain routes. They will be paid on a per trip basis regardless of the number of their passengers per day.
Drivers and operators may join the program provided that they have valid and existing certificates of public convenience, provisional authorities, and special route permits from the LTFRB.
Meanwhile, as part of the Service Contracting Program, about 53.23 million commuters have benefited from the Free Ride Program for medical frontline workers, authorized persons outside of residence (APORs), and other essential workers.