Friday, October 03, 2008 City-loop drivers want Oton jeepneys out By Erwin Cabarles
TWO public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers associations in Iloilo City want Oton PUJs out of the city.
The Timawa Operators and Drivers Association (Timoda) and the Companya Fundidor Operators and Drivers Association (Comfuda), both active members of the Iloilo City Alliance of Jeepneys Operators and Drivers Association (Icajoda), are appealing to City Mayor Jerry Treñas and the city's Traffic Technical Working Group (TWG) to discontinue the traffic experimentation concerning the allowance of the Oton Anhawan and Oton Derecho transport units to enter the city, which are allegedly usurping their route.
According to Icajoda President Beny "Bulcan" Espinosa, the issuance of the executive order concerning the said experimentation was done without proper consultation from their associations, most especially to the affected city-loop drivers. This lapse started the problem.
The groups furthered that the experimentation, which started September 15 this year, has affected their operation greatly. They lamented that until now, they are experiencing 40 to 50 percent cut in income and much worse.
They suggested that the riddance of Oton PUJs entering Iloilo City would help improve the traffic situation in M.H Del Pilar area fronting John B. Lacson Maritime University and the Infante Avenue, where it passes through.
On the other hand, Treñas said he will discuss the matter with members of the concerned drivers' association in order to come up with a solution that's mutually beneficial.
The members of the said city drivers' group aired this complain when they went to the office of the mayor Thursday.
