THE ten buses allowed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 has started to ply the streets of Cebu City on Saturday, July 18, now that the city's quarantine status was lowered to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).
According to LTFRB 7 Regional Director Col. Eduardo Montealto Jr., the busses are open to all but still prioritizes healthcare workers.
"Regular public transportation as malls and other essentials are now open per Executive Order (EO) 84 of the Mayor (Edgardo Labella). The mayor also requested LTFRB 7 to compliment with PUB (public utility bus)," said Montealto to Superbalita Cebu.
Based on Labella's EO 84, public vehicles are temporarily suspended except for those authorized by the government or those issued by LTFRB 7 with special permits.
"EO 84 - Section G. All forms of public transportation shall be temporarily suspended except for commissioned shuttle service for employees of permitted offices or establishments, as well as point-to-point transport services provided by the government, giving priority to healthcare workers."
These buses are air-conditioned with a fare of P13 for the first five kilometers and P2.20 for the next kilometer.
There are two routes arranged by LTFRB 7 from Pardo to SM City Cebu and Pardo to Talamban.
For Pardo - SM City route and back, it will pass through N.Bacalso/Emall; Osmeña Blvd; Fuente Circle/Robinsons Fuente; Mango Square/General Maxilom; DOLE 7; Robinsons Galleria and SM City.
It will return from APM Mall and pass through F. Cabahug; M. J. Cuenco; Landers; Ayala Center; Escario / Capitol; Fuente Osmeña Circle; Abellana Sports Complex; Emall; South Bus Terminal; Super Metro and Citi Hardware.
While for Pardo - Talamban route and back, it will pass through Shopwise; V. Rama; B. Rodriguez; Fuente Osmeña Circle; Robinsons Fuente; Capitol; Escario; UP Lahug; JY SQUARE; I.T. Park; Country Mall; Banilad Town Center; UC Banilad; and USC Talamban.
Returning from USC Talamban; UC Banilad; I. T PARK; JY Square; UP Lahug; DOLE 7; Mango Square; Robinsons Fuente; Abellana Sports Complex; SSS; Gaisano Metro Colon; Gaisano Capital; Gaisano Jai-Alai; Supermetro Mambaling; and Citi Hardware.
Montealto said it will stop on the bus stops and it can't just stop anywhere. (HBL)