THE One Pangasinan Transport Federation (OPTF) is set to appeal to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region I to amend the “sloppy” Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) in Pangasinan imposed on the  public transport sector.

Bernard Tuliao, president of the OPTF, said there are serious problematic issues that need to be fixed.

Based on guidelines set by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the approved Pangasinan LPTRP sets 44 rationalized routes, plus 12 developmental routes across the province.

OPTF said the implementation of the approved LPTRP will result in 50-percent of drivers losing their jobs.

Tuliao cited an article published in November 07, 2022,  that quoted LTFRB Ilocos Planning Officer Engr. Karen Castañeda: “The new routes will involve 1,262 modernized jeepney units in the rationalized routes and 100 units in the developmental routes.”

He said thrice he asked the Provincial Planning Office in public forums, on how they conducted the survey to passengers, questioning the method, as public transport has just resumed since the shutdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and no one could explain.

Fortunately, the Provincial Planning Office, despite the LPTRP’s approval on December 12, 2022, went to LTFRB Regional Office I last January and echoed OPTF’S concerns.

The OPTF has requested an audience with LTFRB to discuss its issues, but no response to date.

Tuliao hopes the matter will be resolved before the April 30 deadline for consolidation. (Ahikam Pasion)

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