Piston: E-bus to displace PUJ drivers

CEBU, Philippines — The deployment of 40 modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Cebu City would displace at least 50 jeepney drivers, a transport group official said.

Greg Perez, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) –Cebu president, said the group is opposing the government’s modernization program because only big corporations are benefiting from it.

 “Wala man mi’y problema anang mopalambo sa atong transportasyon kay mao na ang kuwang sa atong nasud pero tabangan pud unta sa goberno ang mga gagmay nga mga operator ug mga yanong drayber kay dili mi maka-afford anang P2 million sa usa ka unit,” he told The FREEMAN.

He said at least 50 jeepney drivers plying the routes in baragays Guadalupe, Apas, and Lahug, among others would be affected once the electronic buses or e-buses start hitting the city's major roads.

Last Monday, the City Council approved the travel lines of 40 PUVs.

Route 1 is from Cebu City Hall to Cebu I.T. Park, passing through Robinson’s Galleria Cebu, Cebu Business Park and vice versa.

Route 2 is from R. Duterte Street to Sykes via Happy Valley, Fuente Osmeña, Ramos Street, D. Jakosalem Street, Cebu Business Park and vice versa.

There are at least 20 units assigned for every route.

Prior to the approval, the Cebu City Traffic Office reviewed and evaluated the travel lines.

Councilors Eugenio Gabuya, Jr. and David Tumulak both claimed that no jeepney drivers would be affected by the deployment of e-buses.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 earlier said the modern buses will be deployed on “missionary routes” or those areas currently not being served by PUJs.

But, Perez said the e-buses will also ply along the routes where existing PUJs are traversing.

“Kami sa PISTON, padayon sab among hangyo sa among 500 ka miyembro nga paninduton sab ilang mga units ug ipa-rehabilitate nila para manakay gihapon ang mga tao namo,” he said.

CCTO Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said Persano Corporation, the operator of e-buses, may start its operations once all requirements from the LTFRB-7 are complied with.

“Pwede na sila makasugod anytime. Sa CCTO, mohatag mi nila og 45 days nga probation period para maka-test sila sa ilang operations sa ilang rota,” he said.

After the 45-day probation period, Ouano said his office will assess whether or not the e-buses contribute to the worsening traffic situation in the city.  — KBQ (FREEMAN)