Are Modernized Buses Allowed To Use The Defective Ungka Flyover?

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By Rjay Zuriaga Castor 

Authorities appear divided on whether modernized buses and jeepneys are allowed to use the structurally challenged Ungka flyover, with conflicting statements from the Department of Public Works and Highways Western Visayas (DPWH-6) and the Transportation and Traffic Management Office (TTMO).

DPWH-6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel said modernized buses are not explicitly barred from using the flyover, as long as they comply with the vertical clearance limit of 2.3 meters.

“We are not saying that modernized buses cannot use the flyover. Our limitation is 2.3 meters. Any vehicle that does not exceed this clearance can pass through,” Oropel told Daily Guardian on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

However, TTMO personnel added to the confusion by placing a makeshift cardboard sign at the flyover’s approach that read “NO ENTRY MODERNIZED.”

Oropel clarified that this directive did not come from DPWH-6 and suggested that the TTMO might be “just playing safe.”

The signage followed a Dec. 2 incident where a modernized jeepney traveling toward Pavia struck the vertical clearance gantry, causing it to collapse and damage an SUV. Despite the incident, modernized jeepneys continued using the flyover and hitting the gantry.

Oropel noted that the height of modernized jeepneys varies depending on their model and manufacturer. He added that vehicles with air conditioning systems are more likely to exceed the clearance limit.

TTMO chief Uldarico Garbanzos confirmed the signage was installed as an initiative by his personnel.

He said the contractor for the flyover’s repair had offered to provide permanent and appropriate signage.

Contradicting Oropel’s statement, Garbanzos asserted that modernized buses and jeepneys, categorized as Class 2 vehicles, have never been allowed on the flyover since its reopening in September 2023.

“From the start, only light vehicles were allowed to use the flyover, as coordinated during press briefings,” Garbanzos said.

He explained that modernized jeepneys, classified as Category 2 vehicles, are considered power-driven trucks primarily designed for carrying goods.

“These vehicles are aware of the restrictions. Coordination has always been that only light vehicles can use the flyover,” he added.

Despite the restrictions, modernized jeepneys frequently use the flyover, likely to avoid traffic congestion on the road below and reduce fuel consumption.

Garbanzos announced plans to coordinate with DPWH-6 to resolve policy inconsistencies and ensure uniform enforcement.

“We will have a uniform implementation. The recent incidents highlighted the lack of consistency in our policies,” he said.

The overhead gantry damaged during the Dec. 2 incident was repaired on Monday. The driver involved, a member of the Western Visayas Transport Cooperative, will not face penalties.

Oropel downplayed the incident as a “minor infraction” and said the DPWH would not pursue license confiscation or seek compensation for the damaged gantry.

“Our focus is on reopening the flyover to four lanes by Dec. 25, 2025,” he said.