The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), May 27, urged the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board – Cordillera (LTFRB-CAR) to fast-track processing of special permits of Public Utility Jitneys (PUJs) servicing different routes now that the Baguio City is under Modified General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
The Baguio Transport and Traffic Technical Working Group (BTTTWG) recommended some 516-PUJs to ply some 58-streamlined routes to provide transportation to residents during authorized market days; and, workers of establishments dealing with essential goods.
During their special session, Wednesday, it was revealed more than 300-PUJs had already been issued the required LTFRB special permits.
Vice Mayor Faustino A. Olowan pointed out, there is a huge disparity in the number of PUJs vis-à-vis the number of people needing their services. As such, the need to hasten processing of the special permits.
Meantime, it was revealed by Engr. Lalaine Sobrimoente, there are still 7-routes in the city recommended for issuance of special permits.
However, she hastened to add, no PUJ operator applied for issuance of permits for routes plying Atok Trail, Greenwater Village, Happy Hallow, Happy Hallow Purok 1, Leonila Hill, Military Cutoff, Irisan Purok 8 to 28 and Pinsao Proper.
She said, the LTFRB-CAR will be compelled to allow other PUJ trunklines nearest the routes to ensure availability of public transportation.
Under LTFRB guidelines for issuance of special permits, operators must submit the official receipt and certificate of registration of the unit; the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC); and, the certificate of road worthiness from the LTO.
To date, the LTFRB-CAR official revealed, there are some 421-PUJs recommended to undergo road worthiness test by the Land Transportation Office-Cordillera (LTO-CAR).
Meantime, Sobrimoente said the LTFRB guidelines for issuance of special permits will still be effective even as the city transitioned to a Modified GCQ. **Dexter A. See
