‘Minimal’ impact on PUJ routes in Mandaue, Lapu
Public transportation in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu was largely unaffected by the nationwide transport strike as 13 transport groups made good on their word not to join the activity yesterday.
Ermac said only 10 percent of public transportation was affected in Mandaue City at noon.
There were no stranded passengers since they had vehicles ready to fetch them, he said.
Frank Brazil, head of Lapu-Lapu City’s City Traffic Management Services (CTMS), said the protest staged by the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston-Cebu) had minimal effect on public transportation yesterday.
He said buses and government vehicles were also prepared in anticipation of the transport strike.
Piston-Cebu members gathered at Ibabao-Estancia and marched towards Mandaue City Hall.
About 40 jeepney and trisikad drivers brought placards denouncing Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 that imposes stiffer penalties on traffic violators.
Piston-Cebu Chapter president Greg Perez apologized to the public for the inconvenience and said their protests will continue until the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) scraps their order.
Last Saturday, 13 transport groups committed not to join the nationwide strike after a dialogue with the regional offices of the Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
Piston-Cebu also wants the Mandaue City government to designate loading and unloading areas to be suggested by the drivers in a consultation.
Perez said PUJ drivers find it hard to stop in certain streets since most areas have no stopping and no loading or unloading signs.
Concerns
He said Piston also found unfavorable the traffic scheme imposed by the Mandaue City government along J. Center Mall, the new public market and ML Quezon Avenue in Cabancalan.
Perez said drivers end up spending more time and lose more fuel due to the congestion in these areas.
He said traffic aides should also undergo seminars to test their capabilities in conducting traffic.
Mandaue City Councilor Elstone Dabon talked with some of the drivers and assured that he will raise their concerns to the council.
But Ermac questioned some of the demands made by Piston.
“They were asking us not to issue citations to the erring drivers but only reprimand them,” Ermac said.
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