THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is currently studying the implementation of emergency buses to address complaints of commuters on limited number of public utility jeepneys operating in some areas in Davao City.

During the Ispeak media forum on Thursday, January 24, LTFRB Transportation and Development Officer Virgilio Jibone said surveys are being made to anticipate the number of emergency buses needed during peak hours.

“Sa pagkakaron nag-conduct mi og eye test to prove kung kailangan ba gyud og emergency transportation. Kung kailangan gyud, siguro mag-request ta og bus to ferry mga stranded passengers (We are currently conducting an eye test to see if there is really a need for emergency transportation. If it is really needed, we will request buses to ferry stranded passengers),” Jibone said.

Jibone explained that they cannot immediately request buses to ferry stranded passengers anytime of the day but only during peak hours.

“Malugi man pud ang bus company kung imo nang padaganan na dili peak hour unya walay pasahero. Kadto lang mga oras na nagatapok daghan (Bus companies may not be able to make a profit if there are no passengers so it should be during peak hours only),” he added.

Meanwhile, Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) chief Dionisio Abude said they also made a survey to know the specific areas of stranded passengers and where they are usually heading.

“Our survey is from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. With the data na nakuha namo, maka-come up gyud siguro na mag-request og bus nga ibutang didto sa kanang peak hours (Our survey was conducted from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. With the data gathered, we could identify when to request for a bus to serve stranded passengers during peak hours),” Abude said, adding that this is to avoid delay to the passengers.

CTTMO surveyed Toril, Panacan, Bunawan, and Mintal districts. Abude said Catalunan Pequeño will be surveyed as soon as possible. (LHC)