By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Operators of the traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in Bacolod City threaten to halt their trips again if the two local land transportation government agencies resume their road apprehension.
United Negros Drivers and Operators Center Secretary-General Diego Malacad said in a radio interview, that the 15-day moratorium, agreed upon last November 9, will expire tomorrow.
Malacad said they will not impede the operations of modern PUJs in the city, but if the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) begin apprehending drivers of the traditional PUJs over expired franchise permits, they will stop their operations and call for an immediate press conference.
He also accused the local LTO and LTFRB offices of “isolation and bullying,” pointing out that under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, Bayanihan Law, and a resolution released by the LTFRB Central Office, all traditional PUJs can still operate until September 2023.
Meanwhile, LTO Bacolod chief Renato Novero said they have already received orders from the regional office to apprehend drivers and operators of unregistered PUJs again, and could be fined P20,000.
Last week, Mayor Alfredo Benitez said he would talk again with officials from the LTO and LTFRB with regards to the provisions being pushed by the traditional PUJ operators over the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
Traditional PUJ operators are asking LTFRB to let them avail modern jeepney units, instead of organizing a cooperative or corporation to avail one, according to the mayor.
They also demand a much cheaper version of the modern jeepney units.
Currently, the price of a modernized jeepney unit runs from P1.3 million to P2.4 million depending on the type and is equipped with more advanced technology and safety features such as curb-side passenger entrance and exit doors, closed-circuit television cameras, and global positioning system.
Benitez said he wants a transition period to modernized PUJs first before authorities can start apprehending operators of the traditional PUJs./DGB, WDJ