ILOILO CITY (PIA6) – The Iloilo city government has started the labeling of approved jeepney routes and is assigning color codes to operators that have complied with an order to consolidate.

The measures are part of the implementation of Iloilo City’s enhanced Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) which is essential for the country’s transport modernization program.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, together with Iloilo City Traffic Management Unit (CTMU) head retired colonel Urdanico Garbanzos and other local officials, led the ceremonial “stickering” on consolidated PUVs.

Treñas, in a statement, stressed that the implementation of enhanced LPTRP in the city served as one of the contributions of the city government to the current modernization program.

“Iloilo City takes pride in being the first local government unit in the country to implement and enhance the LPTRP. This serves as a testament to our active participation and contribution to the modernization program of the national government,” he said.

The city mayor also commended the people behind the city’s technical working group, who have tirelessly worked since the inception of the program and had to overcome all the challenges.  

Garbanzos said in a media interview, noting that the 1,782 modernized jeepneys will also be allowed to ply the approved routes)," Garbanzos said in a media interview, noting that the 1,782 modernized jeepneys will also be allowed to ply the approved routes.

Based on the operational guidelines for the LPTRP as provided under Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2023-036 issued by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the city’s enhanced route plan includes 17 rationalized routes, seven new/developmental routes, and one enhanced new/developmental route.

Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations, Inc. (WVATCCI) president Rizal Alido also said that having stickered jeepneys will ensure that those plying the city thoroughfares are all members of the cooperatives.

deadline for consolidation by Dec. 31, wherein only 547 came from Iloilo City and 67 from Iloilo province.

The agency stressed that the government is firm to its deadline but gave these unconsolidated jeepneys a leeway to continue operating until Jan. 31, 2024.

It was also previously said that consolidation is one of the first steps in the government’s Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (PUVMP), hoping to modernize the traditional jeepneys, replacing them with safer, more efficient, and eco-friendly vehicles.

Meanwhile, several commuters in the city also expressed satisfaction with their experience riding modern jeepneys.

Dorothy Joy Espin, a content editor in a private company, said that she prefers riding a modern jeepney, given its comfortability and the presence of passenger assistance.

“Comfortable man ako kay air-conditioned. Nami man mag approach kag magserve anda konduktor […] Overall, I prefer it [bisan] pricey lang siya kumpara sa [traditional] jeep ("It is comfortable because it’s air-conditioned. The passengers’ assistance officers are also nice and approachable. Overall, I prefer the modernized vehicles despite the increase in fare compared to the traditional jeep),” Espin said.

Jovi Ann Tacanloy, a college student in Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), also said that it is convenient riding the modernized vehicle, but pointed out that the drivers should also be mindful of the limit of allowed passengers, especially those who will be standing inside.

“Nami siya kay air-conditioned, tawhay, and hindi mo ma ano ang usok sa palibot, pero tani lang kabalo man magbanta sang pasahero kay kung kaisa damo gid ga standing, especially rush hours (It is good as it is air-conditioned. It is convenient and you can’t smell the smoke coming from other vehicles. But I hope that the drivers will be mindful of overloading of passengers, especially during rush hours),” Tacanloy expressed. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo/)