Lapu-Lapu execs meet with multicab drivers

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City officials called a meeting with multicab drivers, who had complained following the implementation by the Traffic Management System of an experimental traffic rerouting scheme, to explain why the traffic plan will have to continue until March 16.

At the meeting were Mayor Paz Radaza, Frank Brazil, head of the City Traffic Management System, Rolando Duero, secretary to the mayor, and most of the drivers who covered the Cordova-MEPZ route in barangay Ibo and some members of Nagkahiusang Drayber sa Sugbo.

Drivers had expressed fear of being arrested or meeting accidents for plying outside their route as stated in the franchise issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Duero said the LTRFB-7 has already been informed about the rerouting and assured that no drivers will be arrested.

Mayor Radaza said the purpose of the experiment is to try to decongest the flow of traffic that passes the public market.

Radaza said the rerouting will be assessed by the traffic body and its assessment together with its recommendations will be sent to the city council.

She said it is too early to tell whether the experimental traffic route is working.

The CTMS implemented the new route last February 16.

Frank Brazil, head of CTMS, said the initial results of the new rerouting of public utility vehicles from Cordova to Mactan Export Zone in barangay Ibo in Lapu-Lapu City will be known next week.

Under the rerouting scheme, the affected PUJs will, instead of going to barangay Looc, make a right turn to A. Tumulak Street, pass by the Lapu-Lapu City Hospital, turn right to S. Osmeña Street, turn left to the road passing the access road leading to the Hoopsdome, pass the old Maribago road (Humay-humay), turn right towards the Mayor Maximo V. Patalinghug Avenue towards the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, and then turn right passing the Manuel L. Quezon Avenue towards MEPZ in barangay Pusok.

According to Brazil, the experimental rerouting will end on March 16 after which the CTMS will submit to the city council an assessment of the undertaking.