Mandaue traffic body to make odd-even scheme permanent

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Traffic Management Board has decided to make the odd-even rerouting scheme for public utility jeepneys plying in the city permanent.

The decision came after result of the public hearing conducted last Thursday showed that majority of the drivers favor the scheme.

The committee on transportation headed by Councilor Emiliano Rosal in coordination with the Traffic Management Board conducted a public hearing the other day at the session hall to hear comments about the rerouting which was first implemented on a trial basis in the month of November and then implemented again last month.

Engr. Jomar Ostia, executive director of the Traffic Management Board said that what the dry-run showed was that traffic along the M.C. Briones national highway was light because the odd-even scheme allowed only fifty percent of jeepneys coming from the cities of Lapu-lapu and Danao to pass through the main thoroughfare during the day.

The scheme would also serve establishments in the Reclamation Area such as Parkmall, Robinland, Boardwalk, and Cebu Doctors’ University which almost has 2,000 students coming from the north.

During the public hearing, Perry Sia, president of the MEZ-1 Operators and Drivers Association said that although his group is happy with the new rerouting scheme, he expressed concern over the fact that passengers will have to pay more if they disembark farther away from the highway.

Lawyer Evelyn Misal of the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said drivers must observe the official rate which is P6.50 for the first five kilometers and P1 for every succeeding kilometer. She said drivers must estimate the distance as she reminded them not to overcharge. – Flor Z. Perolina   (FREEMAN NEWS)