BACOLOD City – The city government has initiated the formation of a cooperative that could serve as an alternative to assist traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) that have not yet been consolidated.
PUJ drivers and operators met with Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Thursday, Sept. 28, to discuss concerns related to acquiring a franchise.
It was revealed that several drivers and operators were reluctant to join the existing cooperatives owned by modernized jeepney operators.
“They have proposed that the city establish an association that will meet all the requirements of the modernized policy,” the mayor said.
He added, “In this cooperative established by the city, traditional jeepneys without franchises will be able to register as members.”
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier this year extended the validity of traditional jeepneys’ franchises from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2023, which is just three months away.
The mayor also mentioned that there is a proposal for the city to lease the vehicles.
Benitez is scheduled to meet with Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista next week to discuss this matter, along with other transportation issues, as well as with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines./PN
