LTFRB delays action on request or more jeepneys
THE decision of the regional office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) whether to grant or deny the request of transport leaders in Pangasinan that 50 percent of the more than 3,000 public utility jeepneys in Pangasinan be given special permits to resume their operations still hangs in the balance.
Bernard Tuliao, president of the Alliance of United Transport Organization Provincewide (AUTOPro), reiterated the request last August 5 when he called on LTFRB Assistant Regional Director Annabel Nullar, chief of the transport regulatory division, but was told that only Regional Director Nasrudin Talipasan can decide on the matter.
Talipasan is reportedly still n Manila shortly after National Capital Region, Rizal, Buacan, Cavite and Laguna were placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine.
The requested 50 percent PUJs to ply in all routes in Pangasinan is expected to complement the 550 PUJs presently plying in various routes in the province.
According to Tuliao, there were 3,500 PUJs operating in Pangasinan before the COVDI-19 pandemic hit the country.
Given the delay in the action on the request, Tuliao will seek special permits for at least 68 PUJs and hopes that with the endorsement of Gov. Amado Espino
III., LTFRB will be more open to new proposal.
In Dagupan City, there are already 50 jeepneys plying the Bonuan Gueset and Bonuan Boquig routes and an additional 15 units are expected to service Bonuan Binloc soon.
Meanwhile, Tuliao took note of complaints of commuters about over-charging fares beyond the P9 minimum fare granted them by LTFRB.
He urged commuters who were charged more to report the incident to LTFRB by sending text to its number posted on jeepneys. The complaint should include date, route, amount charged and plate no. of jeepney, and possibly name of driver or operator
But Tuliao said the truth of the matter is when a passenger pays the P10, commuter lets the driver keep the one peso as a tip. (Leonardo Micua)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
