Deployment of modern PUJs hits snag

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) will not allow Persano Corporation, operator of the 40 modern jeepneys, to operate unless it can submit traffic line and secure an authorization from the mayor.

“Dili pa makadagan. Their proposed routes still need to be surveyed to avoid congestion. So dili ingon ana kadali,” said CCTO Operations Chief Francisco Ouano.

Ouano said his office needs to review the traffic line before the jeepneys can start plying the city’s major roads and catering to passengers.

He said the provisionary authority granted to Persano Corp. by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board earlier this week is not sufficient. The provisionary authority allows the firm to operate the modern jeepneys for 90 days.

He said the requirements were explained to the firm in a meeting Tuesday. The operator reportedly agreed to comply with the conditions.

Lawyer Vigor Mendoza, chairman of Persano Corp., told The FREEMAN that they are bound to abide by the conditions set by CCTO.

He said the firm is still working on the traffic line and other requirements, which may be submitted next week.

"It has always been the position of the company that we will secure all permits before we operate plus only after our drivers undergo the necessary training for the proper operations of the vehicle," the chairman said.

Once submitted, CCTO will assess its proposed routes. The office’s findings and recommendations will be submitted to the City Council for approval.

The modern jeepneys were supposed to ply two routes starting Wednesday. The operations though did not push through due to “lack of requisites and coordination.”

The first route will depart from Cebu City Hall and will pass along Robinsons Galleria to Cebu Business Park then to Asiatown in IT Park, and vice versa.

The second route, on the other hand, will depart from Paseo Arcenas in Barangay Banawa and will pass Happy Valley straight to B. Rodriguez St., Osmeña Blvd., Ramos St., D. Jakosalem St., Gorordo Ave., Ayala Center Cebu then to Panagdait, vice versa.

The minimum fare is P8 and an additional P1 for every succeeding kilometer.

Mendoza clarified though that the firm did not get any go signal from anyone to start its operation Wednesday, November 28. — KBQ (FREEMAN)