The arrival of the first batch of modern passenger jeepneys were supposed to arrive last Sunday and service routes that ply in areas where business process outsourcing (BPO) companies operate, but this early not all are welcoming their presence.
As reported in a local daily, the National Confederation of Transport Union (NCTU) Visayas chapter voiced concern that these modern passenger jeepneys to be operated by Manila-based Persano Corp., may cause their member operators to lose customers and thus cut into their earnings in the long term.
That the company managed to secure support from the Land Transport Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Cebu City Transportation Office to operate their initial fleet of 19 passenger jeepneys is indicative of the Duterte administration’s determination to roll out their modernized mass transport program ahead of the elections.
The roll out of these modern jeepneys, which can accommodate at least 30 passengers and are outfitted with airconditioning and security cameras, may provide a viable alternative for commuters headed to Cebu Business Park and IT Park.
Among those to be affected by the routes are operators of 07D, 06C, 17C and 04C jeepneys who service commuters headed to BPO offices and the hub of Cebu City’s commercial and economic districts.
Interestingly most of the drivers hired by Persano Corp. for their modernized passenger jeepneys come from the Cebu Integrated Transport Service Cooperative (Citrasco), which had voiced support for the government’s modernized mass transport program.
If Persano Corp. hired drivers from other transport groups would there still be opposition to their operation? Granted, there is still the matter of a public hearing to be done by the Cebu City Council on Persano Corp.’s PUV operation and vocal opposition to Persano may persuade some councilors from the opposition bloc to reconsider.
There is already a service bus line being subsidized by Cebu City Hall that specifically caters to the BPO employees and those commuters passing through the BPO areas as well as the Cebu Business Park and IT Park and Persano’s presence may indeed cut into the earnings of passenger jeepney operators with serviceable but admittedly inferior units.
Eventually, any opposition by operators will be rendered moot by public support for the initiative which may likely swing in the company’s favor.
There is still a huge number of commuters that need to be serviced by mass transport and while their anxiety is understandable, the riding public’s welfare and convenience is of paramount concern and importance.