Marcos drops GPS rule for PUV program

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the removal of global positioning system (GPS) requirements to make it easier for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers to join the government’s service contracting program.

Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the directive aims to reduce costs and simplify participation in the Net Service Contracting Program (SCP).

“What the President told us should be to ease the hardship of our operators and drivers and not to add to the cost and complexity of installing GPS. We will make it easier so that more people can participate,” Lopez said during an inspection of the program at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal on Monday.

Under the revised setup, operators and drivers will only need a QR code system to monitor the kilometers traveled by each PUV unit.

The Net Service Contracting Program provides payments based on distance traveled, with buses receiving P100 per kilometer, modern jeepneys P40 per kilometer, and traditional jeepneys P30 per kilometer, up to 100 kilometers per day.

Passengers will also benefit from fare discounts, including 20 percent off regular fares and up to 40 percent for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

During the inspection, Marcos assured continued government support for operators and drivers amid rising fuel costs.

“That’s why we’re doing this—first of all, for the operators and then for the drivers, because the price of oil is too high… When they don’t make any money, they won’t go out. You won’t have any rides,” he said.

He added that fare discounts are meant to ease the burden on commuters while ensuring transport services remain available.