No jeepney phase out despite bus project

DAVAO City Councilor Conrado Baluran, chair of the Committee on Transportation and Communication, assured jeepney drivers that there would be no phase out of public utility vehicles with the implementation of the proposed point-to-point bus project this month.

Baluran said during the Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong yesteday at the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) that the project aims to address the traffic problem and growing transportation demand of Davao City. This will also open jobs to the public.

“There would be no phase out of previous buses because these buses would be routed to coastal, alternative and bypass roads,” he added.

Baluran also assured the public utility bus drivers during their meeting together with the Department of Transportation that the phase out of previous units would not happen.

Further, he noted that it would not decapitate the jobs of others but it would lead to more job offers.

“The success of this point-to-point project would mean that it would also be replicated to other regions,” he underscored.

He said that since Davao City is the model for this platform there would be thorough deliberation, consultation and committee hearing at the

Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) tomorrow, Friday, August 3.

He also said that it would be approved by Friday.

The project also needs to be appealed to more committee hearings and be sent to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for deliberation and proper enactment of these vehicles.

“This traffic congestion is the problem and this project is the solution. We have surveyed the problem and observed roads first with the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), for this project to come into realization,” he added.

He also said that after all the committee hearings, they will launch the bus vehicles during the Kadayawan Festival to offer free rides to the public.