Health workers, APORs get free rides – Tugade

MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has ordered for the nationwide implementation of free ride service for health workers and authorized persons outside of residence (APORs).

Tugade directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to expand the program not just in Metro Manila and nearby provinces but to other parts of the country, regardless of the quarantine classifications.

The free ride service covers essential workers and APORs.

Tugade said the program aims to help essential workers get to their destination safely and efficiently by providing them free transportation.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the initiative seeks to cushion the adverse impact on the income of workers due to quarantine restrictions.

It also helps jeepney and bus drivers earn additional income as part of the service contracting program, Tugade said.

“This is like a socialized transport system. The government pays for it and the people will just have to use it. This is our assistance to our countrymen,” he said.

Under the program, the DOTr, through the LTFRB, is giving payouts to operators and drivers of public utility vehicles.