The Bacolod City government is conducting a comprehensive database profiling of public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators until Friday, May 9, as part of its collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to develop a sustainable mass public transportation plan.
“The objective is to establish a more efficient, reliable, and environmentally sustainable public transport system,” City Planning and Development Office head Mary Jean Ramos said in a statement on Tuesday.
The data-gathering covers operators of registered modernized PUJs, as well as those who have consolidated under the modernization program but whose units are not yet compliant with the documents required by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Land Transportation Office.
Those who have not yet consolidated, including those currently plying the streets, are also included.
The profiling of PUJ operators by route started on April 30 following the visit of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to Bacolod on April 25.
Ramos noted that during Dizon’s visit, the DOTr chief and Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez agreed on the need to review the national government’s Public Transport Modernization Program as well as identify the gaps and address the concerns of operators, drivers, and passengers.
Also discussed were the city’s proposal of granting authority or deputizing local government units to apprehend “colorum” or unauthorized vehicles; approval and implementation of green routes; migration to electric vehicles (EVs); provision of financing options for e-jeepney operators; and establishment of EV charging stations across the city.
Under the Local Public Transport Route Plan, the city has identified 24 routes for modernized jeepneys.
Currently, at least 605 modern units are plying the various routes along with 1,266 traditional jeepney units approved for consolidation.
Initial assessment showed a shortfall of around 1,200 units to adequately service the 24 routes.*PNA