Bus operators still want program scrapped

CEBU, Philippines - While the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has given “colorum” buses an extension to apply for the Routes Rationalization Program until November 30 ins-tead of October 17, bus operators in Cebu are still dismayed as they wanted the program to be totally scrapped.

“Kay kani nga programa sa LTFRB, unfair kaayo ni sa mga existing operators. That’s why we are opposing those who filed their application,” said Julieto Flores, spokesperson of the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association.

Flores, who is also the president of the Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association, said that the program only favors the big bus operators to the detriment of the small-time bus operators like majority of their members.

LTFRB-7 regional director Ahmed Cuizon earlier said that so far, 155 bus units have applied for the bus rationalization in Region-7 and majority were from Cebu, particularly from the Vallar Transit Inc., operator of the Ceres Liner.

But since Ceres’ application met strong opposition by CPBOA and CSMBOA, this was referred to LTFRB head office for a decision.

Last week, LTFRB issued Memorandum Circular No. 2014-018 which extends the suspension of the implementation of out-of-line operation of provincial public utility buses with pending applications for modification of routes from October 17 to November 30 of this year.

LTFRB said that “there were affected operators on the proposed modified routes who interposed their respective oppositions to the applications filed, which will require this board to deliberate judiciously and thoroughly the resolution of the contested applications”  (FREEMAN)