BPO workers, others to benefit from new PUJs for 2 new routes

CEBU, Philippines — In three months, at least 40 of the touted modern Public Utility Jeepneys will be plying two new routes specifically plotted to benefit Business Process Outsourcing workers.

This is part of the nationwide move of the government to modernize old jeepneys across the country, replacing all old jeepneys aged 15 years and older, to provide safer transport system for the commuters.

The modern PUJs have Global Positioning System, Wi-Fi connection, curbside door, automatic fare system, dashboard camera, and also have low emissions to make them environment-friendly.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon said they have already identified two new routes which will be serving BPO workers, City Hall employees, doctors and nurses, among others.

Cuizon said it is the directive of Mayor Tomas Osmeña to prioritize call center agents and other workers who usually do graveyard shifts. Currently, no PUJs serve the routes envisioned.

“Both routes will be serving primarily the BPO industry in the city kay mao man na ang gi-emphasize ni Mayor Osmeña nga hatagan og dugang assistance ug serbisyo ang BPO because it is the biggest growing sector of the local economy,” he said.

The first route will start from the City Hall, to Plaza Independencia, then M. J. Cuenco Avenue, T. Padilla Street, then will stop at Robinson’s Galleria to cater call center agents.

After that, the PUJs will proceed to Gen. Maxilom Avenue, then to the PUJ terminal in Ayala Center Cebu. Its final destination will be IT Park where there is a high concentration of BPO industries.

The second route is from R. Arcenas Street where Convergys is situated, then Happy Valley in Guadalupe, V. Rama Street, B. Rodriguez Street, and Fuente Osmeña where Robinson’s Cybergate is located. Fuente Osmeña is also near hospitals including the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, and the Chong Hua Hospital.

After that the PUJ will pass Jones Avenue, the Ramos Public Market, D. Jakosalem Street, then to Gorordo Avenue, on to its final destination at Sykes in F. Cabahug Street.

There will be 20 modern PUJs assigned to each route and minimum fare will be P15. Policemen and soldiers can ride for free, said Cuizon.

Cuizon said Cebu Integrated Transport Cooperative will be operating these 40 units.

“CITRASCO is part of the nationwide network of cooperatives nga mao’y nakig-alayon sa DOTr ug LTFRB… Naa sila’y financial capacity ug ang ilahang record was also good,” he said.

He said they are currently waiting for the approval of Department of Transportation on the proposed new routes.

Cuizon admitted he does not know if all PUJ operators are in favor of the modernization program. Therefore, he is asking them to express their opinions so that they can act on them.

“We will find out about that, this is the purpose of roadshow to engage the appreciation and understanding of transport groups and the general public,” he said.

Yesterday the LTFRB-7 along with the city government launched the PUJ modernization roadshow at the Plaza Sugbu.

In this program, DOTr will provide loan facility for the PUJ operators who do not have enough capital to buy the modern PUJ.

For the initial phase of the implementation, Development Bank of the Philippines has set aside P 1.5 billion. PUJ operators can purchase the modern PUJs from Hyundai, Isuzu, and Tata motors, among others.

Last year, DOTr launched the framework of this program which includes the gradual phasing out of old jeepneys.

During the press conference yesterday, Osmeña said he is in favor of this modernization program. However, the city government will be implementing it gradually to allow PUJ operators to adjust and to assess its efficiency.

“We’ll just do this first and we’ll see what happens, okay? I can imagine jeepney operators they’re living a marginalized lifestyle they’re not rich people so anytime you try to tell them to change it always bring about a drama, the feeling of uncertainty, a risk, of course there is a risk, we will handle this slowly,” Osmeña said. (FREEMAN)