A TOTAL of 426 traditional public utility jeepneys (TPUJs) are plying 17 routes covering nine barangays to complement the operation of modernized public utility vehicles (MPUVs) and buses in Cebu City.
City Councilor James Cuenco, chairman of the City’s Jeepney Task Force which oversees the Balik Pasada Program, said his office has recommended to Mayor Edgardo Labella the reopening of 20 more routes, but it has yet to be approved because of the rising number of coronavirus disease 2019 cases in these areas.
Cuenco said 120 drivers are currently undergoing the City Transportation Office’s orientation and training, which is a requirement before they can return to the streets.
Cuenco said TPUJ operators had been complaining about the lack of qualified drivers.
Cuenco had pushed the City Council to approve an ordinance allowing the temporary operation of public utility buses and MPUVs in the city while the pandemic is ongoing or until the City’s local public transport plan is finished.
There are 20 04C, 14 04D and 38 04L TPUJs serving Barangay Lahug; 42 06B, 28 06C and four 06G serving Barangay Guadalupe; eight 08F and 29 08G serving Barangay Mambaling; 28 11A serving Barangay Inayawan; 19 09C and 16 09G serving Barangay Basak; one 10C and 25 10F serving Barangay Pardo; 30 12D, 25 12G and 19 12L serving Barangay Labangon; and 58 13C and 20 62C serving Barangays Talamban and Pit-os.
Meanwhile, the city councilor from the south district said operators have been urging TPUJ drivers with a Balik Pasada identification card to get tested for Covid-19. As soon as their result comes out negative, they can get free barriers for their jeepney unit from Cuenco’s office. (PAC / PJB)