POSO still bans LTFRB-authorized jeepneys in Dagupan
THE plight of the commuting public to and fro and around Dagupan city remains uncertain as the city government’s Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) continue to prevent out-of-town jeepneys authorized by the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and despite protocol issued by the Inter-Agency Task force under General Community Quarantine in transporting passengers.
Bernard Tuliao, president of the Alliance of United Transport Organization Provincewide (AUTOPro), confirmed in an interview with Bombo Radyo Dagupan on May 27, that no jeepneys for workers going to work, and households going to the market and other Authorized Persons Outside their Residence (APOR) have been allowed to operate since May 26 to date.
Tuliao said POSO even refused to honor the Special Permits granted by LTFRB to few jeepney drivers and operators indicating the specific routes to be served to and fro Dagupan.
He said POSO only allowed the LTFRB-authorized jeepneys from various towns to convey their passengers only up to the city’s boundaries, forcing commuters to walk to city proper or take tricycle rides that charge as much as P100.
When he asked POSO chief Robert Mejia Jr. why the prohibition, the latter reportedly said it was for continued security of the city against possible spread of COVID-19 and that the authorized jeepneys need to be issued special decals to be able to enter the city.
Some AUTOPro members protested the city government’s policy and considered it as a defiance of the authority of LTFRB and it discriminates against them, while favoring other jeepney operators from out of town.
Tuliao confirmed that five special permits were issued for following routes: Calasiao-Dagupan, vice versa, and Sta. Barbara-Dagupan; 10 for San Carlos City- Dagupan, Lingayen–Dagupan; 10 for Bonuan area, five Dagupan downtown route and five CSI-downtown route.
However, only 2 out of 10 slots for Bonuan jeepneys were taken and the two are allowed to convey their passengers up to Nepo Mall only.
As of this writing, no mini-bus is plying the Binalonan-Dagupan route because it is deemed a non-viable route owing to the limited occupancy imposed with no fare adjustments and other restrictions to ensure physical distancing.
Tuliao admitted though that many AUTOPro members are still reluctant to apply for the special permits because the cost of diesel fuel has increased again and drivers, would be earning P150 daily at best. (Leonardo Micua)
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