MODERN JEEPNEY FIRM MUST PASS TRAVEL LINE

Even though they were given provisionary authority to ply the streets, the 40 modern public utility vehicles still can’t accept passengers until they secure a travel line from the Cebu City Government, an official said on Wednesday, Nov. 28. Francisco Ouano, Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) operation head, said they have an agreement with Persano Corp., the operator of the modern PUVs, during a meeting last Nov. 27, to secure the travel line before they can start catering to passengers. Earlier this week, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted provisionary authority to Persano Corp. that will allow its 40 modern PUVs to ply the streets for 90 days. Ouano said they are still awaiting documents provided by the operator, such as the routes where their PUVs will ply. Ouano said they want to prepare their own route plan for the modern PUVs to help minimize traffic congestion on the roads that they will pass. He also asked the operator for a written approval from Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña allowing them to operate in the city despite the worsening traffic. Once Persano Corp. submits its route plan, the CCTO’s planning division will assess its proposed routes. The operator proposed two routes for the modern PUVs. The first route will depart from Cebu City Hall and will pass along Robinsons Galleria to Cebu Business Park then to Asiatown in IT Park, and vice versa. The second route, on the other hand, will depart from Paseo Arcenas in Barangay Banawa and will pass Happy Valley straight to B. Rodriguez St., Osmeña Blvd., Ramos St., D. Jakosalem St., Gorordo Ave., Ayala Center Cebu then to Panagdait, vice versa.