CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ahong Chan will not allow electronic jeepneys to pick passengers outside the areas of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
There are reportedly 25 e-jeeps operating in the city and Chan said they are affecting the livelihood of multicab and tricycle drivers because unlike multicabs and tricycles that follow franchise routes, e-jeeps can travel anywhere.
Seventy-five more e-jeeps are expected to serve Lapu-Lapu City and Chan wants them confined at the three PEZA areas.
"I will oppose the entry of 75 units. In fact, I am opposing the 25 units because they have affected the livelihood of our multicab and tricycle drivers," Chan said yesterday.
Chan said he has written to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) about his concern and asked that the agency establish clearer routes for the e-jeeps.
"These electronic jeepneys, they strike anywhere kay loop man so bisan asa lang ilang ruta (These electronic jeepneys travel anywhere in a loop)," Chan said.
The e-jeep is part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program implemented by the Department of Transportation.
PUVMP seeks to provide safer, more comfortable and environmentally sustainable mode of public transport to commuters by upgrading vehicles to meet international safety, energy efficiency, and emission standards.
"Ang e-jeep, atong tan awon if this is applicable to our city. Kita mismo, nakakita ta nga gagmay kaayo atong kalsada. We are not ready for that (We will assess if the e-jeeps are applicable to our city. We can see that our roads are narrow. We are not ready for that)," Chan said.
He said that if allowed to travel anywhere in Lapu-Lapu, the e-jeeps can help worsen the city’s traffic condition.
In fact, the city has been aggressive in clearing the streets of vehicles that are not supposed to be there. This week, it apprehended at least 1,000 colorum tricycles.
"We will be strictly implementing gyud aron makuhaan ning mga sakyanan nga nag-park sa atong kadalanan (We will be strict now so that our streets will be free of vehicles that are parked just anywhere)," Chan said.
At present, there are 4,000 tricycles operating legally in Lapu-Lapu. (FREEMAN)