San Fernando mayor eyes mass transport system

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A new and more convenient mass transport system will soon be introduced to the commuting public of this capital city.

City Mayor Edwin Santiago will introduce a point-to-point (P2P) transit where public vehicles will be allowed to load and unload passengers on identified places only for a more faster and convenient travel.

He said the proposed transport system can be utilized during rush hours, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 a.m. to 6 p.m., to provide convenience to students and workers who are on their way home from school or office.

During these hours, a group of jeepney drivers recognized by the City Government will pick and drop passengers at strategic points that are yet to be identified.

“Fast lanes” on the city’s major thoroughfares will also be exclusively opened for the P2P vehicles during the said hours for faster travel time.

“During these times, the roads are busiest. Everyone is rushing, students and workers. And we wanted to provide comfort on their daily travel by upgrading our transport system into a faster and more convenient one,” he said.

“Time is always precious, and we do not want to take away the little time of Fernandinos to rest or spend with their families and loved ones by being stuck in traffic,” he added.

Aside from this, a new transport route that will go around the city downtown is also eyed for the convenience of Fernandinos and tourists who will do business in the area, Santiago said.

He stressed that a transport route around city hall, heritage district, the old public market and nearby areas with an identified pick-and-drop points will also be implemented.

“It has been said that one of the best ways to improve the transport and traffic system is to instill discipline among the public. With P2P and proper enforcement, people cannot just go down where they want to. There will be specified pick-and-drop points and they will walk from there to their destination,” he said.

Santiago, however, said the City Government is still on the first phase of the proposed program’s timeframe and traffic officials are conducting the necessary social preparations for the concerned sectors.

He expressed his hope that Fernandinos will accept and welcome the new system and will be implemented before he ends his second term.