15 modern PUJs to start plying Bugo-Opol in 2020

SOME 15 units of modern jeepneys will start plying in Cagayan de Oro on June 30, 2020, after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved its route from Bugo to Igpit, Opol in Misamis Oriental via coastal bypass road.

This development came after the Oro Transport Service Cooperative got a greenlight to operate the first batch of the modern jeepneys under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The new units will replace the classic jeepneys that the public have been accustomed to for decades.

A modern jeepney is complete with GPS monitoring system, WiFi, airconditioner, among others.

But, fare is increased from P7.50 refular fare to P10, and will increase further of up to P4 in every succeeding kilometers.

The 23-seater new jeepney units are classified as type Class 2 vehicles.

As the government prepares for change in public transport, LTFRB-10 regional director Aminoden Guro said the modernization program will not cause a total phaseout of jeepneys in the city.

Guro said the number of new units are only 15, so old jeepneys are still allowed to take their trips, provided that they pass the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). He said the LTFRB will allow the extension of the jeepney franchise if they pass the MVIS, a road worthiness test.

“Pwede pa ma-extend ang franchise sa jeepneys provided nga makapasar sila sa MVIS without any human intervention. Icheck up ang brakes, lights, tanan,” Guro said.

This set-up was approved as transition to the new public transport system which will be implemented nationwide, Guro said.

Guro clarified that the government won’t leave dislocated jeepney drivers behind, pointing out that scholarships will be offered to the families of the drivers and operators.

Jeepney drivers who are members of a cooperative will be prioritized in the scholarship grant.

“Naay priority rule, kung ikaw ang driver or operator ani nga route, walay pwede musulod diha kundili ikaw. Pero kung dili mo molihok, pwede naay lain cooperative musulod so we are encouraging drivers and operators to form a cooperative and apply for a franchise of our modern jeepneys,” he said.

The first batch of jeepneys, manufactured by Hino, will be shown to the public on December 11 and will offer free rides.

The LTFRB earlier vowed that all old PUV units will no longer be allowed to operate after June 30, 2020.