• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Operators of modernized jeepneys in Bacolod City are prepared to cater to commuters in case the planned protest of a transport group will push through on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) head, Patrick Lacson, said in a press conference this morning, Dec. 11, that he was assured by operators of air-conditioned jeepneys that they are prepared and their units sufficient to serve the riding public.
The Bacolod Alliance for Commuters, Operators, and Drivers (Bacod) will reportedly hold a protest on Wednesday as part of their continuing opposition to the Dec. 31 deadline in applying for franchise consolidation, which is a requirement under the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
Mayor Alfredo Benitez is also confident that not all transport groups will join the protest, or that Bacod’s action will paralyze transportation.
He said that there are more than 600 modernized PUJs currently plying the streets of Bacolod, as well as 3,100 traditional jeeps.
The mayor also stressed that he’s been talking to jeepney operators and drivers, and most of them are not opposed to the modernization program itself, but only the process. “There are just some guidelines and policies na indi nila nagustuhan…it’s just a matter of talking to them and ironing out differences.”
The city and 18 modernized jeepney operators have also joined the Service Contract Program (SCP) of the Department of Transportation, through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
The program ensures that there are enough PUJs for commuters, even during a transport strike.
Under the Service Contract Agreement signed last week, PUV operators will receive from the LTFRB performance-based payouts, based on the number of trips per week, at P20 per kilometer for traditional jeepneys, and P26/km. for modernized PUJs.
Transport service entities (TSEs) that joined the SCP include those operating the routes Fortune Towne, Granada, Airport Subdivision South Capitol Road Loop, Alijis-Central Market Loop, Banago-Libertad Loop, Bata-Libertad Loop, Eroreco-Central Market Loop, Handumanan-Libertad via Mansilingan Loop, Mansilingan-Central Market via City Heights Loop;
Northbound Terminal Libertad Loop, PHHC (Homesite)-Central Market Loop, San Dionisio-Central Market Loop, Shopping Libertad via La Salle Loop, Shopping-Libertad via San Agustin Loop, Shopping-Northbound Terminal Loop, Taculing Central Market Loop, and the Tangub-South Capital Road Loop. | CGC
