Jeepneys resume operations in Cebu province

Public utility jeepneys can ply feeder roads in Cebu province starting Monday, July 20.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Central Visayas Director Eduardo Montealto Jr gave the go signal for the resumption of PUJ operations, relenting to the multiple requests from local chief executives, according to Sugbo News, the official news site of the Cebu Capitol Public Information Office.

In a meeting with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Cebu President Christina Frasco, and representatives of transport groups and banking groups on Friday, July 17, Montealto reportedly pointed out that allowing PUJs to ply feeder roads is the most he can do since he “is merely an implementer of the national policy”.

This means that PUJs are still not allowed to operate on national roads, only on roads that lead to the nearest bus stops from barangays (villages).

“Pwede na ko mag-desisyon sa ato nga level. Maghimo ko og feeders didto sa national highway kun diin asa ang mga buses naghunong. Feeders lang,” Sugbo News quoted Montealto. 

(I can only decide for our level. I can make feeders leading to national highways where buses stop. Only feeders.)

The Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board  Memorandum Circular 2020-017, which lays down the hierarchy of public transport to be allowed under general community quarantine puts public utility buses as the preferred mode of transport, above tourist buses, UV Express service vehicles, PUJs, and tourist vans.

(READ: LTFRB rejects Cebu mayors’ appeal to allow jeepneys under GCQ)

Cebu province is under modified general community quarantine apart from Talisay City and the municipalities of Consolacion and Minglanilla which are under general community quarantine.

At the same meeting, Garcia reportedly announced plans on communicating with Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, and the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force to ask them to waive the hierarchy laid out by LTFRB MC 2020-017.

According to Garcia, 80% of jeepneys in Cebu are already in cooperatives – a requirement for the re-operation of traditional jeepneys. She added that the 20% are also willing to consolidate themselves into cooperatives.

It was also highlighted that only jeepneys that have passed the motor vehicle test inspection system or the road worthiness test will be allowed to operate.

Garcia also renewed her appeal to government banks to give PUJ operators and drivers a two-year grace period to pay the principal loan they availed to modernize their fleets, according to Sugbo News. – Rappler.com