Experimental rerouting scheme: Mandaue PUJs can’t pass Pope John Paul Ave.

CEBU, Philippines - Starting yesterday, the Cebu City Transportation Office implemented a 30-day experimental rerouting scheme along Pope John Paul II Avenue (formerly Juan Luna Avenue) in Mabolo.

Only private vehicles and public utility jeepneys with route numbers 04L, 03Q, and 03A are allowed to traverse the said road, while all PUJs from Mandaue City must now take L. Tudtud Street in going to the Cebu Business Park.  The prohibition also covers trucks, which are banned from using the road for the APEC meetings.

“The purpose of the experimental re-routing kay this is in preparation for the International Eucharistic Congress since ang pavilion is located along J. Luna,” said CCTO Operations Chief Jonathan Tumulak.

The 51st International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Cebu City from January 24 to 31, 2016, with 15 15,000 pilgrims from all over the world expected to converge in Cebu. The country first hosted the IEC in 1937 in Manila.

Tumulak said the city should prepare for the IEC since it involves thousands of international delegates.

He said, though, that the rerouting is not meant to implement a total PUJ ban along the stretch of Pope John Paul II Avenue but decongest traffic, which was effective when the road was used as part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ceremonial route.

He said, though, that there is a possibility that the change may be made permanent if they deem the change effective.  If this is so, Tumulak said, the CCTO board would issue a resolution requesting the City Council to make the change permanent.  CCTO Executive Director Rey Gealon, on the other hand, said his office will look into the plight of the motorists and commuters.

“We are balancing interests here. Private vehicle drivers have seen the difference between situations when PUJs pass and when they do not. They saw and observed that it was smooth flow of traffic especially during the APEC meetings. That is what they want,” he said.

“(On the other hand,) PUJ drivers do not want it. Coz it will adjust the riding and driving routine of drivers and passengers. That is why we need to experiment for smoother traffic flow in the area,” he added.   CCTO urged the public to brace for effects of the experiment as the city looks for ways to improve traffic flow. — (FREEMAN)