CEBU, Philippines — Traditional public utility jeepney (TPUJ) operators and drivers are encouraged to apply for Balik Pasada Permits (BPPs) as no more extension will be made for the one-stop application hub which is only until today.
Jeepney Task Force head, Councilor James Anthony Cuenco, said those who did not make it through the registration under the one-stop hub this week and would want their units to ply the city routes will have to do it themselves individually with the concerned agencies.
“We advertised the one-stop shop and disseminated the information to all the outlets, even in social media, in order that they will be aware of it because it is there for a limited period of time or until tomorrow,” said Cuenco yesterday, noting that the previous one-stop shop was opened only for three days.
He said a few units did not pass the inspection, particularly the smoke belching. Some also failed to submit incomplete requirements.
Cuenco noted at least 962 BPPs have already been issued since the opening of TPUJ routes in October 2020.
Of this number, 106 were issued recently by the task force through its application hub at City Hall Plaza Sugbo since Monday, said Paul Gotiong, Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) deputy head.
Gotiong added the task force singlehandedly issued 38 permits on Wednesday.
He also encouraged the unregistered jeepney operators to apply for the BPP.
With more jeepneys plying the city routes, Cuenco said, on top of that, they have to ensure the safety of the riding public and that the TPUJ drivers are not infected with the COVID-19 virus.
“We regularly give them warnings and, at the same time, deploy health protocol marshals around the streets of Cebu City,” he said.
“We have also tapped volunteers from the biking community, including those members of the Cebu Bike Lanes, who have been deputized to issue tickets for those who violate the protocols that are in place.”
They also require the TPUJ drivers to undergo the RT-PCR test and the driving seminar so that they are all familiar with the traffic rules and health protocols.
“As we speak right now, there is an ongoing seminar at the Cebu City Hall,” added Cuenco.
“So, we have already a database of drivers who have already undergone the seminar.”
He noted these seminars have been going on even without the one-stop shop hub.
Cuenco said, with the Balik Pasada Program, the task force can monitor compliance by the TPUJs with the minimum health protocols that are in place.
“Once they (TPUJs) pass again from the road worthiness inspections and are given the travel line, they have to make sure that their units will have the barriers and then enforce the no face mask, no face shield, no travel policy,” said Gotiong.
Minimum health protocols in Cebu City provide for a 50-75 percent seating capacity, daily disinfection, installation of barriers, and wearing of face masks and shields. — Deogracia William Bemida, Silliman University intern, GMR (FREEMAN