CEBU City has reopened seven routes for traditional public utility jeepneys (TPUJs) from Mandaue City.
Mayor Edgardo Labella issued an executive order (EO) on Friday, March 12, 2021, to formally open the routes from Mandaue City, as well as from Talisay City.
The EO took effect immediately.
The routes opened include Ibabao-Ayala (20A), Ouano-Ayala (20B), Ibabao-Manalili (21A, 21B), Ouano-Manalili (22A, 22B), and Ibabao-Country Mall (22I).
Labella also included in the EO the opening of routes for 41D and 42D TPUJs from Tabunok and Poblacion in Talisay City, respectively.
Labella said opening more routes will address the growing demand for public transportation and help drivers earn a living.
He asked drivers to strictly enforce health protocols inside their units to minimize the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) transmission.
The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) has been directed to monitor public vehicles to ensure compliance with Covid-19 prevention guidelines.
With Labella’s announcement, 35 TPUJs can now travel from Mandaue City to Cebu City and more are expected to follow suit.
Members of the Mandaue Transport Cooperative (MTC) welcomed the development, saying their pleas have finally been heard after several months.
Loreto Geres, MTC head, told SunStar Cebu they can compete with existing buses and modern jeepneys since they have longer routes.
Before Labella issued the EO, MTC members could only ply within Mandaue City. (JJL, KFD)