• THERESA MAE DULMAN
To address persistent service gaps caused by insufficient modernized jeepney units, Bacolod City is eyeing to recommend to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) the granting of Provisional Authority (PA) to traditional jeepney operators so they can legally resume operations.
Councilor Dindo Ramos, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Transportation and Traffic, announced the plan following a meeting with the LTFRB Aug. 12.
Under the proposed framework, the LTFRB will prioritize route slots for modernized units first, followed by consolidated traditional jeepneys, and finally, the unconsolidated traditional units to meet commuter demand.
Ramos emphasized that regardless of their classification, all participating traditional jeepneys must strictly be roadworthy before being allowed to ply their designated routes.
He said that legalizing these operations under a temporary six-month permit is crucial to protecting commuters in case of vehicular accidents.
“If they are already plying the routes without having been apprehended and are truly needed, why not just regularize them even for a short period, like a six-month provisional authority, so that, at least, our passengers are protected,” Ramos said.
He noted that only around 300 modernized jeepneys are currently operating across Bacolod. | TMD
