The approved Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) in Cebu City limits the number of public utility jeepneys (PUJs), both modern and traditional, to 1,013 units operating on 40 routes, down from over 60 routes. It remains to be seen whether this number is sufficient.
Concerns Over Passenger Capacity
There are concerns that the number of public vehicles may not be enough to accommodate passengers, especially during rush hours. As I understand it, these routes will depend on the completion of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system. If buses are available, even on the Pit-os-Talamban route, this should not be a concern because the distance is not far—only about three kilometers, which can be covered by bicycle.
Feeder Routes and the CBRT
Based on concepts presented in forums and public consultations on the CBRT that I attended, PUJs will serve feeder routes, only going as far as CBRT stations. In my understanding, PUJs will no longer reach their usual destinations. For example, if before you could take a single PUJ to Colon and Carbon from Pit-os, you may now need to take two or three vehicles because no bus passes through Carbon, which is somewhat far from the CBRT route. Will senior citizens going to Carbon have to walk?
The Bicycle Solution
From our experience with folding bike enthusiasts, the LRT management in Metro Manila allowed folding bikes to be brought inside train cars. This is what members and officers of the Tiklop Society of the Philippines did when they lobbied for it. We also did the same and were approved by the CBRT proponents. More than ten years have passed since those consultations I attended about the bus rapid transit, but only phase 1 has been completed. There is still debate.
A bicycle can be used along the feeder route and can be left at bike racks at each station or brought on board by the passenger after disembarking the bus. There is no need to transfer to a PUJ.
Will the Number of PUJs Be Enough?
But for those who ride PUJs, will the number of units be enough to carry passengers? The problem may not be the number of units, but the speed of turnaround of PUJs on their routes. If the return trip takes longer, fewer PUJs can pick up passengers waiting on the streets. It would also be good if, when this time comes, fares do not increase. If that happens, the bicycle is the solution.
