Task force to study old jeepneys’ return

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has issued an executive order creating a task force to make a study on the return of traditional jeepneys on the city streets.

"There is hereby formed, organized, and created a Task Force whose main function is to conduct a study looking into the possibility of allowing traditional jeepneys to return to Cebu City streets under the New Normal scenario and to come up with guidelines in doing so," Executive Order 93 reads.

As stated in the EO, the city government understands the plight of public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers who have lost their source of income for several months now and are eager to resume their operations.

"Prior to formally requesting the LTFRB-7 to allow PUJs to resume operations, the City Government of Cebu deems it necessary to conduct its own study on the viability and feasibility of the return of PUJs in the City's streets," it further reads.

The task force comprises of Councilor James Anthony Cuenco as the chairperson, with Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) Head Alma Fe Casimero, Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 Director Victor Caindec, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr., among others, as members.

Its duties and functions are to assess and evaluate the current volume of passengers in the city vis-a-vis the number of PUJ operators and drivers who are still capable serving these commuters; review conditions of PUJ units that intend on resuming operations; recommend to the Mayor the viability of allowing PUJs to return operations; and coordinate with the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) Team of Cebu City.

The task force will also have to formulate guidelines and procedures on how to effectively reallow PUJ operators and drivers to operate, if found viable to do so; come up with new normal policies and safety standards to be followed by operators, drivers, and passengers of PUJs once allowed to operate; and monitor compliance of operators and drivers.

E-Scooter

Meanwhile, Labella has advised the e-scooter group, Sugbo Skooteros, to meet with Atty. Gerry Carillo, after knowing about their willingness to help the city government regulate e-scooters if it meant not restricting riders using this two-wheeled vehicle for transportation purposes.

Carillo is the head of the ad hoc committee for the matter.

"Akong ipahibawo nila nga I am open and I am very objective. I am willing to listen, maminaw ko... I am more or less for regulation," said Labella.

"I would advise them to see Atty. Carillo and kung mahimo, ang ila proposal, og naa sila'y written proposal, ilang ihatag ni Atty. Carillo," he added.

The CCTO earlier decided to ban electric or gas-powered scooters on the city’s major thoroughfares despite oppositions.

"Naa man sa ordinansa nga dili mahimong modagan diha sa tunga-tunga sa highway, pero gi-allow nato ang ubang mga areas. So, ato lang ni siya'ng ireconcile, and I am open because nakahibawo man sad ko nga importante sad ning paggamit sa e-scooter," said Labella. — JMD (FREEMAN)