THE operator of the 40 units of modern bus-jeep (beep) that ply two special routes in Cebu City expects their operation to normalize starting this week.

Vigor Mendoza, chairman of Persano Corp., said they observed a lesser volume of passengers after over a week of test run.

Mendoza said the situation is normal considering that most of the riding public were having their vacations for the holidays.

“This is still an irregular period, assessment wise, passengers are still few. This January, hopefully, the passenger load will be back to normal,” he said.

“When we did our passenger survey, December is not a good month to start because after Christmas there will be a lull, almost no passenger because of the holidays,” he said.

As the offices and schools resume this week, Mendoza said the volume of commuters will be back to normal.

Minimum fare rate is at P8 and an additional amount will be collected after five kilometers.

“The first few days of our operation were for test run to familiarize the route and check the units, but we’re collecting fare already,” Mendoza said.

There will be nine stops for the primary route of beeps, which is from Cebu City Hall to the Cebu IT Park.

Drop-off and pick-up points will be beside Plaza Sugbo (P. Burgos St.), S. Osmeña Ave. near Pier 1, V. Sotto St., and along Robinsons Galleria Cebu, among other stops.

The beeps’ secondary route starts from Duterte St. in Banawa, Barangay Guadalupe toward Sykes in Barangay Mabolo with nine designated loading and unloading areas. (RVC)