On April 15, 2026, the Philippine government’s Net Service Contracting Program will take effect to support around 15 million commuters and 1,000 transportation operators. The nationwide initiative will cost P1 billion, with P800 million allocated for 823 road-based routes, and P200 million for maritime transport.
Under this program, PUV operators will receive a fixed payment for every kilometer traveled—which, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), will keep their income “sustainable.” Bus drivers are set to receive P100/km, while modern and traditional jeepney operators will get P40/km and P30/km, respectively.
Commuters can then avail themselves of 20% discounts on their transportation tickets. Senior citizens, students, and PWDs will also receive an additional 20% reduction on their jeepney fares.
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Overall, about 50,000 PUVs will be participating in this program. These include modern jeepneys, UV Express units, city buses, and EDSA Carousel buses. Each vehicle will be equipped with a GPS device, presumably to track its routes and the driver’s corresponding payments.
Along with the DOTr, the Land Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will be watching over this initiative. The DOTr has then requested an additional P5 billion to extend service contracting until July 2026.
With a transportation strike expected this week despite an imminent rollback on fuel prices, it looks like the program will still go on as planned. More as we get it.
