Transport groups rally against joint bus venture

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Reynaldo Elnar (in red shirt) listens to the members of the Operators and Drivers of Cebu Southbound Jeepney Association, Inc. (ODCESOJA) who gathered infront of LTFRB-7 office to protest against the operation of My Bus in Cebu..

Transport groups voiced their opposition to the European made buses to be operated by the consortium Metro Transit Services Inc. during today’s public hearing at the regional Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB-7).

Ryan Benjamin Yu, chairman of the Cebu Integrated Transport Cooperative (Citrasco) questioned the basis for the LTFRB’s issuance of a route for the joint bus venture.

Other groups like the Cebu South Mini Bus Operators Association (CSMBOA), Cebu Provincial Bus Operators (CPBOA) and National Confederation of Transport Workers Union (NCTU) also objected to the operation of the buses, saying this will adversely affect their livelihood.

Signatories of the joint opposition are Julieto Flores, chairman of the CSMBOA; Estrella Yapha, chairperson of the CPBOA and Romeo Armamento, vice president for NCTU. Marc Canton, convenor of the Movement for a Livable Cebu (MLC) said they support the operation of the European made buses since it is viable and sustainable mass transport system for the masses.

Present in behalf of consortium Metro Transit Services Inc. (MRTSI) was lawyer Joseph Castillo who said they already got endorsements from areas on the developmental route.

Before and after the hearing, members of Cebu Confederation of Transport Operators and Drivers Association Inc (CCTODAI) rallied in front of the LTFRB-7 office to dramatize their opposition to the joint bus venture.