Transport groups protest new routes for 77 buses

CEBU, Philippines - A confederation of transport groups will hold a protest on Friday against the move to create new routes for the 77 buses that would run from Talisay City to Lapu-Lapu City.

The Cebu Confederation of Transport Operators and Drivers Association Incorporated is opposing the application for franchise for new routes from Talisay City to Mactan Cebu International Airport through Cebu City’s South Road Properties. CCTODAI has over 5,000 members.

“Kami nanawagan mi sa tanang mga drivers nga magkahiusa ta sa pagbatok aning pag-operate sa 77 ka buses sa SM,” said Julieto Flores, spokesperson of the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association.

Flores said that the event is not a transport strike but just a protest.

 “Pero ang miyembro sa CCTODAI nga 5,000 ka buok. Og manguyog ang tanan, aduna gyud pagkuwang sa sakyanan ang mahitabo,” said Flores,.

On Friday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory-7 will conduct a public hearing on the application for a franchise of the 77 buses owned by the MRTSI.

“Kay kaning 77 ka mga buses og aprubahan ni sa LTFRB ang franchise, di lang kay daghan ma kulban sa kaldero ani kundi makulban gyud og kawa,” Flores said.

He said that during the public hearing, they will formally submit their opposition against the application for franchise.

CCTODAI members include CPBOA, CITRASCO, VUDTRASCO, Alyansa sa Nagkahiusang Draybers Alang sa Reporma, Southern Cebu Operators ans Drivers Association Inc, Mandaue United Drivers Association, Metro Cebu Taxi Operators Association, among others.

Militant transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide-Cebu also opposed the operation of the 77 buses.

Greg Perez, coordinator of PISTON-Cebu, said many drivers and operators of jeepneys, taxi and bus will be affected by the deployment of the new buses.

Rey Elnar, LTFRB-7 regional director, earlier said that based on MRTSI application, the 77 buses will operate in the following routes:

• 36 units: North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City to SM Seaside via Mambaling (P25.00 fare);

• 8 units: Talisay to Mactan Cebu International Airport in Lapulapu City ( P75.00 fare);

• 11 units: Talisay City to SM Seaside ( P25 fare)

• 22 units: Talisay City to North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City (P40.00 fare).

However, Elnar said the application for the issuance of franchise as well as its corresponding fares is still subject for a public hearing on Friday at 9 a.m. at their regional office.

Elnar said that these buses are considered High Quality Public Transport System and are Bus Rapid Transit-ready.

Each bus, which costs from P8 million to P12 million, has a capacity of 60-70 passengers. — (FREEMAN)