Leader wants PUJs affected by BRT to ply ‘developmental routes’

CEBU, Philippines - The leader of the National Confederation of Transportworkers Union-Visayas will be proposing that public utility jeepneys that will be affected by the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system here be transferred to the so-called developmental routes.

These routes include, among others, the routes that will pass by the SM Seaside City at the South Road Properties (SRP).

A consultation on the BRT will take place today.

“Amoa ning i-propose nga kadtong mga PUJs nga maapektuhan sa BRT implementation, adto na ibutang sa mga ruta nga way jeepneys sama anang SM Seaside City,” said Romeo Armamento, NCTU-Visayas vice president.

To recall, the BRT project, which will be implemented in three phases, was approved by the National Economic Development Authority Board chaired by President Benigno Aquino III in May 29, 2014.

The BRT, a bus system where segregated lanes are made exclusive for the buses, is seen to help ease traffic congestion, provide fast, comfortable and cost-effective mobility, and address the transportation problem in Cebu City.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has recorded over 2,600 jeepney drivers of 1,310 units plying 90 PUJ routes.

At least 22 PUJ routes are reportedly to be restructured once the BRT is in place.

More or less 240 long bu-ses will be deployed to serve 14 designated stations from Bulacao to Talamban.

The buses will occupy Cebu City’s major thoroughfares, including N. Bacalso Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard, N. Escario Street and Governor Cuenco Avenue, where jeepneys also ply their routes. — (FREEMAN)