MEMBERS of a transport group in Baguio City called on the government to consider the road situation of the city before fully implementing the modernization program.

Rey Bacoco, president of the United Metro Baguio-Benguet Jeepney Federation (UMBBJF), said one area where the government should look into is the condition of Baguio City’s road network, which can fit 30 initial modern public utility vehicles (PUV) units that were awarded certificates of franchise from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“Since these 30 units can be considered as small busses, is the condition of our roads fitted for its operation in the city? Why not look for another option by looking at smaller units for Baguio to prevent traffic congestion,” Bacoco said.

UMBBJF reiterated that aside from considering the size of the roads in Baguio City, an ordinance has been given to all associations to establish their own parking area, wherein small bus units may not fit compared to traditional jeeps.

The group is also in the process of consolidating its franchise to form a cooperative by the end of December 31, as per LTFRB memorandum circular on transport modernization.

UMBBJF also wants to be clarified on the memorandum circular on the future of traditional jeeps, particularly on its guidelines under this specific section.

“If we are to read this portion of the memorandum circular, it indicated that within three months upon application, the cooperative should start changing 25 percent of its units. Within six months, the cooperative should change 50 percent of the number of units of its group, and after three months, all units should have been changed. This is one of the areas that is not clear because it did not indicate what they are to do with the traditional jeepney units. Will they be registered as private so that these can still be used or will these be junked?” Bacoco added.

Another area being looked at by the transport group is the capacity of its members, through its cooperative, to pay for the units they will acquire as prescribed by the transport modernization program of the government.

“As of the moment, what we see to it is to ensure that our units are roadworthy by undergoing smoke testing and only allow those that have passed to operate while those units that have failed to pass should undergo the necessary mechanical repairs,” Bacoco added.