LTFRB’s route modification opposed

CEBU, Philippines - Bus and mini-bus operators in Cebu have expressed strong opposition to the move of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board allowing operators to amend their routes by filing a petition before the agency.

Julieto Flores, spokesperson of the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association, said the move is unfair to the existing bus operators who have already established their own routes.

“This memorandum favors only the big bus operators. Klaro kaayo nga gusto gyud nila wagtangon ang mga small-time bus operators,” said Flores.

It can be recalled that LTFRB issued Memorandum Circular Number 2014-010 entitled “Implementing Guidelines on the Conduct of Rationalization of Routes of Provincial Public Utility Bus Service.”

Under the rationalization program or the so-called routes modification, LTFRB will not issue new Certificates of Public Convenience to operators.

In lieu of a new CPC, LTFRB has allowed operators to file petitions for the possible amendment of their existing routes.

“Kay pananglitan, ang current route sa bus operator Cebu City to Carcar ra pero tungod sa memorandum sa LTFRB, pwede na unya makalahos padung sa Bogo. Di gyud ni maayo nga memorandum that is why we are opposing this,” said Flores, who is also president of the Cebu South Mini-bus Operators Association.

LTFRB-7 regional director Ahmed Cuizon said that so far, less than a hundred petitions have already been filed before his office.

“Majority sa ni-file kay mga operators in Cebu,” Cuizon said.

According to Flores, Vallacar Transit Incorporated, which operates Ceres Liner, has the most number of petitions to have its routes changed.

“Ang maka-afford gyud ani kay ang mga dagko ra gyud nga mga bus company. What will happen sa mga gagmay nga mga bus operators nga nag-operate sa ruta nga maagi-an na unya sa Ceres?” Flores asked.

LTFRB-7 will conduct a hearing on the matter on September 17 at its office.

“We will also oppose that hearing,” Flores said.

There are more than 200 Ceres Liner buses operating in Cebu.

VTI has more than 2,000 buses nationwide, which makes the company the biggest land transport not only in the Philippines but in Asia. — (FREEMAN)