AT LEAST 100 traditional public utility jeepney (TPUJ) drivers underwent a seminar in the last few days, as part of the requirements before they are allowed by the Cebu City government to ply the streets again.
The Cebu City Jeepney Task Force (CCJTF), led by City Councilor James Anthony Cuenco, initiated the seminar to help the TPUJ drivers regain their old livelihood in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cuenco told SunStar Cebu Friday, May 7, 2021 that Mayor Edgardo Labella has already forwarded their recommendation to reopen all TPUJ routes in the city to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Cuenco said they made the recommendation to address the lack of public transport in some parts of the city, especially during peak hours of the day.
At present, around 532 TPUJs are operating in the city on a conditional basis following new protocols set by the CCJTF.
The 532 TPUJs are there to complement the operations of the modernized jeepneys that are currently plying the city.
Based on the list provided by the City’s Balik Pasada Program, around 1,739 TPUJ drivers have applied to secure a Balik Pasada identification card, which is one of the requirements needed for them to be able to drive a jeepney again.
Cuenco said he is awaiting the decision of the EOC on their recommendation.
The EOC’s decision will serve as the basis for Labella’s decision to allow TPUJs to ply unserved routes.
Cuenco hopes that the EOC will act swiftly on their recommendation, especially since some of the public utility buses deployed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to ply Cebu City streets are set to return to their original routes in Cebu Province. (PAC / JKV)