More lady drivers encouraged to join public transport sector

Pink Bus (LTFRB photo)

MANILA – Regardless of gender stereotypes, women are considered to be more careful when it comes to driving.

With more women drivers, a board member of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said this could bring many benefits to the public transportation industry.

“It’s about time to expand the pool of qualified drivers in public transportation by encouraging more women drivers,” said LTFRB board member Atty. Ariel Inton.

“Women are known to drive safely and I think passengers will feel much safer with women drivers,” he added.

At present, Inton said, there are only a few women drivers in public transport and their operators are satisfied with their performance.

JAM Liner for example has about seven women bus drivers and this bus line was cited by LTFRB for having lady drivers and was given recognition during the celebration for Women’s Month.

“In Iloilo City, taxi Light of Glory has a lady taxi driver and she is quite popular. Lady drivers for school services transport are trusted and preferred by parents of the students because these drivers are perceived to be more careful and are caring,” Inton said.

“Also, women drivers are satisfied with a fix income and will prefer receiving fix-pay as drivers over the boundary system which is being pointed out as one reason that there are many vehicular accidents” he added.

Inton, however, noted that protection to women drivers must be drawn clear and solid to encourage more of them to join the public transportation industry.

He also stressed that public utility vehicles (PUVs) should have strict safety measures and the operators should underscore the safety of their drivers.