LTFRB OK sought for new jeepney route ordinance
THE ordinance of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approving a new jeepney route in Dagupan City was submitted to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for its approval.
This was disclosed by Councilor Alvin Coquia, chairman on the committee on transportation, who co-authored the ordinance along with Councilor Luis Samson Jr.
Coquia said the ordinance passed during a special session on June 14 was approved by all members of the SP present, except for the objection of Councilor Redford Erfe-Mejia.
Under the approved ordinance, jeepneys on two-day coding or rest days from Bonuan Gueset, Boquig and Bonuan Binloc as well as those that are plying in Salisay, Mangin, Bolosan, Tebeng, Tambac, and Mamalingling will serve the new jeepney route along the Jose de Venecia Expressway from Pantal to Lucao without passing the downtown area.
Coquia said the SP passed the ordinance due to the mounting clamor of jeepney drivers who want to continue to earn during their scheduled coded days.
However, Land Transportation Office Regional Director Teofilo Guadiz III warned that without the approval of LTFRB, jeepneys cannot ply the new route otherwise they would be in violation of their own franchises and could be apprehended for being off-line and could be fined P200,000 each.
Atty. Anabel Nullar, chief of the transportation division of LTFRB Region, earlier said that any new route that will be created will only be for public transports already compliant with the Jeepney Modernization Program.
No driver and operator in Dagupan has complied with PUJ Modernization Program, now on its third year of implementation throughout the country, Nullar said.
The warning alarmed jeepney drivers and operators who later said they will only ply along the new route if already officially approved by concerned government agencies, particularly LTFRB.
Coquia said residents of Sitios Guebang, Calimag, and Calit and Tocok in Carael also petitioned for the provision of the new jeepney route because motorized tricycles often charge exorbitant fares for trips going to-and from the downtown area.
He added that the new ordinance will boost the businesses of eateries along the Jose de Venecia Expressway Extension which at present can be reached only by private vehicles. (Leonardo Micua)
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