THE GOVERNMENT is subsidizing bus companies involved in its free bus service program for medical workers battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said.

In a statement on Thursday, the DoTr said it has partnered with Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. to carry out the fuel subsidy program “to sustain the continuous operation” of the program for healthcare frontliners during the Luzon-wide quarantine period.

The department said 60 private bus companies will each be given an allocation of 50 liters of fuel every day during the initial implementation of the subsidy program.

“For bus companies to avail of the subsidy, bus units should at least complete two (2) round trips on a given day. They will be provided with a voucher at different staging areas,” the DoTr said.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. Senior Vice President Raymond T. Zorilla said the company “is committed to our goal of becoming an indispensable partner of everyone whose life we touch.” — Arjay L. Balinbin