SRP jeepney route needs LTFRB nod

CEBU, Philippines — Placing temporary jeepney routes at South Road Properties (SRP) will not be possible without a franchise and issuance of special permits from the central office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

This was according to Reynaldo Elnar, chief transportation development officer of LTFRB-7 following Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s announcement of his plan to have temporary jeepney routes along SRP for the Palarong Pambansa.

In a phone interview with reporters yesterday, May 8, 2024, Elnar said jeepney routes will not be implemented in the absence of a franchise.

“Dili gyud. Kay kinsa man ilang gamiton?” he told reporters.

He explained that they also cannot place private vehicles to ply as Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) at the SRP in lieu of the jeepney units, underscoring the need for the franchise or a special permit.

Elnar further cited Cebu Interim Bus Service (CiBus) units as an example, wherein its operator didn’t have a franchise but was issued a special permit.

According to Elnar, CiBus cannot be issued with a franchise since it is a complementary vehicle for the Business Rapid Transit (BRT).

With Rama’s proposal, Elnar said that they cannot just easily grant special permits without an order from their central office in Manila.

“Dapat naa gyuy order gikan sa Manila,” he said.

He, however, said that should the Cebu City Government push for the plan, they could send a request that will be subject to approval by their Central Office.

He further said that to establish the temporary routes at the SRP, the government must utilize the existing franchise holders, essentially redirecting other units to the SRP stretch.

He added that the government has the authority to divert routes that will complement the existing ones.

“Kinahanglan gyud og directive from Manila,” said Elnar.

Rama has directed the implementation of temporary jeepney routes at the SRP just in time for the hosting of Palarong Pambansa and to cater to the displaced families of the clearing operations.

Rama also previously ordered for the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) to sit down with the LTFRB-7 and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) – 7 on having temporary jeepney routes at SRP.

In a press conference last May 6, 2024, Rama said that he is hopeful that the said agencies would focus on this matter as the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa is nearing.

According to Rama, as the hosting of Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet 2024 was catered to with the deployment of buses, he would want the Palarong Pambansa to be more accessible through PUVs. Rama said that it would be more convenient for the PUVs to ply at SRP.

Just like the CVIRAA, the closing ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa is set to be held at the SRP.

Rama further said that the jeepney routes shall be implemented “as soon as possible” however highlighted that this will be “temporary” pending the completion of the CBRT.

Rama also said he would be directing the discussion on the possibility of having jeepney routes enter SRP to cater to displaced families who will be living in the relocation site eyed to rise at the SRP, Cebu City Quarantine Center (CCQC), and Reclamation Area. — /ATO (FREEMAN)