By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Committee on Transportation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), led by Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, has expressed openness to increasing the percentage of provincial jeepneys allowed to enter city routes from first towns to 40 percent.
The consideration comes amidst the implementation of the enhanced Local Public Route Transport Plan (LPTRP) of Iloilo City, which started on Monday, May 27, whereby, only 25 percent of jeepneys from first towns such as Oton, Leganes, and Pavia are allowed to operate.
“I don’t mind if it’s made 40 percent so there’s no more trouble. My concern is not only for those heading to the city but also for those returning home because it’s difficult to travel at night. There might be some adjustments needed,” Cabaluna stated in an interview on Wednesday, May 29.
“I want to change the concept that we are limiting the entry of provincial jeepneys; we are not limiting them. We proposed the 25 percent entry instead of 0 percent,” he added and clarified that under the current LPTRP and the modernization program, provincial jeepneys are supposedly generally not permitted to enter city routes.
Coordination between the city’s LPTRP and the province’s LPTRP is underway to harmonize transport policies.
Meanwhile, the City Council has also approved the first reading of an ordinance that will add 850 new loading and unloading areas for Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) in the city.
In an interview with a local radio, Cabaluna expressed his commitment to having the ordinance approved on its second and final reading. According to him, the ordinance has been under review by a technical working group for several months prior to the implementation of the new route plan in the city.
He highlighted the importance of the ordinance, noting that it will serve as the basis for designated loading and unloading areas for passenger vehicles. This will enable the Traffic Management Unit (TMU) to apprehend violators effectively.
Although some areas still lack signage, efforts are being made to expedite the process, with all city districts included in the coverage.
Cabaluna assured that once the ordinance is passed, strict implementation will follow to ensure smooth traffic flow on the city’s roads.
