ILOILO City – Provincial jeepneys will be allowed to enter the city but only to deliver agricultural products and other goods to the Iloilo Terminal Market, popularly known as “Super.”
Their entry hours will also be limited – only from 12 midnight to 6 a.m., according to Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) head Jeck Conlu.
This scheme already got the approval of Mayor Jerry Treñas, said Conlu, and addresses the concerns of Super vendors and the Metro Iloilo- Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC).
Aside from cargo, provincial jeepneys may also transport those who buy in bulk (kompra) at the terminal market.
According to Conlu, the PSTMO will meet first with the transport group regarding this and to determine when this will start.
Under the city’s Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) implemented starting June 12, only city loop jeepneys are allowed to haul into the city all provincial passengers from transport terminals located in the city’s boundary barangays. It prohibits provincial jeepneys from entering the city. The delivery of agricultural products and other cargos to the terminal markets are only done by cargo or delivery trucks.
Two weeks ago, the city government announced it would be making adjustments to the LPTRP based on its assessment of the situation during the initial days of the plan’s implementation. Conlu said some routes would be lengthened.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the city government is gathering feedbacks. But suspending the LPTRP is out of the question for now, which is a period of adjustments.
“We are getting complaints and suggestions so that we can improve it. We listen to everyone,” said Treñas.
The cause-oriented group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Panay has called for the cancellation of the LPTRP, citing its adverse effects to commuters, drivers and small jeepney operators.
One of its observations was that local products of farmers were no longer directly brought to Iloilo Terminal Market and Jaro markets./PN
