ANY news report on Cebu’s transportation problem is bound to get a lot of readers, clicks and social media engagement.
This outpouring of reaction on such news reports shows how Cebuanos are desperate to see solutions to the problems in their daily commute. Problems include the lack of public transport, no mass transit alternatives and inadequate roads. Get a solution to one problem and commuters will begin to be optimistic.
When transport officials announced on Sept. 16, 2019 that 15 modern bus-jeeps (Beeps) have been fielded in three routes in Cebu City as part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) of government, commuters heaved a sigh of relief. That feeling of anticipation turned into joy after it was also announced that the ride for the first two months of operation would be free.
Thousands would benefit from that initial fielding of the Beeps, also called PeoplesJeep, as the three routes would cover practically half of the city. These routes are Talamban-Ayala-Colon and back, Lahug-Ayala-SM and back and Bulacao-Colon-SM and back.
There were commuters who said they would leave their cars behind if the ride on these Beeps were comfortable and the trip regular and prompt. Part of the come-on of the Beeps is that, unlike jeepneys, they have airconditioning, internet connection and a tracker to ensure safety and reliability in meeting schedules. Fare is P10 minimum or 20 percent more than the regular jeepney fare.
Commuters waited and waited for the chance to ride the Beeps but they do not appear very frequently or if they do appear, they are usually full. Commuters had no choice but to continue to be patient as government’s modernization program to field Beeps to replace jeepneys is taking time.
But when jeepney operators and drivers announced over the weekend the holding of a strike to stop the phasing out of jeepneys, then you have people making noise against the strikers. Cebu members of the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization and the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide or Piston joined the nationwide strike.
A SunStar Cebu poll asked: Are you in favor of the proposed phaseout of jeepneys and UV express service vehicles next year? The response was overwhelmingly in favor of the government program.
In 15 hours after the poll was posted on Facebook, there were 789 reactions, 490 comments and 217 shares. That’s a lot of interaction with the majority saying yes and that it is time an alternative was offered to commuters.
Operators and drivers challenging the modernization program should listen to them and act on what is best not only for their sector.
The period for questioning the program and opposing it is over. Several public consultations were held to hear out operators and drivers and to present to them the assistance they would get under the program and if they joined the movement.
It’s the public’s turn to be heard.