Implementation of transport route plan to push through, mayor says

Amid clamor from the transport sector, the implementation of the long-overdue Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) will still push through on June 12, 2022.

This was confirmed by Mayor Jerry Treñas saying that the city government is preparing for its implementation.

“Dayunon ta because may ara na ta gani mga modern jeeps and na-aprubahan na ina, you know we have already approved that,” he said in a press conference.

The LPTRP, which was approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Sangguniang Panglunsod early this year, is set to be implemented by the Iloilo City government on June 12, 2022.

Based on the transport route plan, the LTFRB approved 17 rationalized routes and seven new routes in Iloilo City.

The seven new routes are:

*Tagbak – Lapuz via Coastal Loop

*Bito-on – La Paz via Coastal Loop

*Villa – Jaro via Sooc/Oñate/Festive Walk Transport Hub

*Tagbak – Festive Walk Transport Hub via SM City / Atria

*Ungka – La Paz via ISAT-U Loop

*Mohon – Mandurriao Business District

*La Paz Festive Walk Transport Hub via Nabitasan Loop

Effective June 12, provincial jeepneys will no longer be allowed in the city routes. Provincial jeepneys from the 1^st up to the 5^th districts in Iloilo province are only allowed in their respective designated terminals in the metro.

Hence, city loop jeepneys shall cater to the bulk of commuters who usually ride the provincial jeepneys in going to the heart of the city.

Public Safety Transportation and Management Office Head Jeck Conlu said in a previous media interview that the city government has been preparing for the implementation of the LPTRP.

Conlu added that modernized jeepneys shall augment the city loop jeepneys to serve the bulk of commuters travelling from Iloilo province to Iloilo City through provincial jeepneys.

In case of shortage of city loop jeepneys, the mayor assured the public that the city government will be ready to step in and help. He added that they are willing to sit down with the affected parties.

“Kon kulang, lantawon ta, we are willing to sit down. We will see,” he said.

Meanwhile, LTFRB 6 is set to meet with the operators of the five major transport terminals in Iloilo City today, May 27, to discuss their issues and concerns regarding the slated implementation of the LPTRP on June 12. (DG)