CEBU City Mayor Edgardo Labella wants jeepney drivers in Cebu City to drive buses to address the transportation problem in the city now that it is under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Labella saw the need to augment buses to accommodate the returning workers of companies allowed to operate under GCQ.

Labella has written the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) seeking to allow the resumption of the operation of public utility jeepneys (PUJs); however, he said it may take time before his concern will be addressed by the agencies.

Considering that most bus drivers are from the province, Labella said he will instead let the PUJ drivers operate the buses as they are more familiar with the city streets.

The City Government will tap the organization of PUJ drivers to give the City a list of the names of drivers capable of manning a bus.

In one bus, two drivers and two conductors are needed, said Labella.

With this setup, many drivers can earn again, he said.

He directed City Attorney Rey Gealon to send communications to the bus companies.

“The mayor communicated to the LTFRB to allow the affected PUJ drivers to drive the buses which are authorized to ply the city’s routes,” said Gealon.

“The mayor has recommended for consideration our affected PUJ drivers to drive these buses, and he is confident that they will be employed and engaged to drive,” he added.

Labella said this is what he had planned to do while waiting for the LTFRB to allow the PUJs to ply the city roads again. (JJL)