BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has directed Jeck Conlu, the head of the city government’s Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), to expedite the implementation of the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP).
“I’ve instructed Jeck Conlu and Col. Uldarico Garbanzos to roll out the LPTRP as soon as feasible. Some road and traffic markings and signs are yet to be set up, but once everything is ready, we should get it underway,” Treñas said.
He also stressed that in areas where modern jeepneys are not yet available, traditional jeeps will operate until the modern ones are delivered.
Conlu, for his part, said he has liaised with the City Engineer’s Office, anticipating the conclusion of planning by this week.
“Our LPTRP survey has been ongoing since last week. We’ve discussed things with the city engineer’s team. Now that we have a thermoplastic machine, we hope to wrap up the planning phase by this week’s end,” shared Conlu.
A thermoplastic machine is a device or equipment used to process thermoplastic materials that are used to make traffic markings on roads.
Conlu said Treñas provided the thermoplastic machine to ensure work progresses without relying on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), acknowledging that the department has its hands full.
Conlu is currently awaiting thermoplastic paint, a matter he had discussed with the City Engineer’s Office, to commence work.
He intends to temporarily mark loading and unloading zones while permanent signage awaits next year’s budgetary allocation.
Roads will also be outlined with box markings to identify specific zones for modernized jeepneys to pick up and drop off passengers.
“If the box is painted yellow, it indicates our designated loading and unloading zones. Passengers should wait in these areas, or else the public utility jeepneys, whether traditional or modernized, won’t stop for them,” said Conlu.
Conlu emphasized the move as a disciplinary measure for both commuters and jeepney operators, expecting all to adhere to the demarcated zones.
Last week, 300 markings were completed in the City Proper area.
Conlu aims for approximately 1,000 markings across the city and its barangays. He is considering drafting an ordinance on this matter, hoping for Mayor Treñas’ approval before it is presented to the city council./PN
