Mandaue MPUJ route numbering system pushed

CEBU, Philippines —  Mandaue City will soon adopt a color coding or a body number system for different routes of modern public utility jeepneys (MPUJs) plying the city.

“For administrative efficiency and enforcement of regulations, MPUJ units shall bear a color code as may be determined by the Mandaue City Traffic Board (formerly TEAM Board). Each designated route, both in intra-city and inter-city, shall be assigned a color separate and distinct from other routes,” reads Section 4 of the proposed “The Fleet Management System or Modern Public Utility Jeepneys Ordinance.”

The ordinance, which was approved on first reading on Monday, stated that for visual identification, the MCTB may opt to assign body numbers for each route, in lieu of the color-coding system.

The body number, it said, will be clearly printed in a conspicuous part thereof and which will effect a visual identification from afar.

“As such, all MPUJ units within the same route shall bear the same body number assigned to the particular route,” reads part of the ordinance principally authored by Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, the chairperson of the transportation committee of the City Council.

The proposed ordinance said that the transport provider shall install a systemized framework monitored through a GIS system which will arrange the arrival of each MPUJ unit in a certain loading or unloading stop/bay.

Each MPUJ unit, when plying the routes in Mandaue City, shall only be allowed to load and unload passengers at designated MPUJ Stop.

Each MPUJ unit shall arrive at a station at an adequate time of interval with another unit, such that, there shall be no instance that two or more units will be on the same loading or unloading bay at the same time.

The transport provider shall ensure the daily operations of the MPUJs and shall further undertake to operate on 24 hours daily.

The transport provider shall also endeavor to provide the driver and conductor with an identification card which will be conveniently worn at all times and shall be displayed conspicuously in the body for the riding public to easily recognize.

The ordinance further stated that MPUJs plying the routes of Mandaue City shall have a Certificate of Public Convenience or franchise duly issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and duly registered with the Land Transportation Office. — GMR (FREEMAN)