COMMUTERS may face challenges in finding efficient means of commuting to work if a Cebu-based modern jeepney company pushes through with its decision to suspend its operation for six months starting on Oct. 1, 2023.
However, the 10-member Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives (FCTC) assured the public that it is ready help in case Beep Cebu will temporarily cease deploying its modern jeepneys plying several routes in Metro Cebu.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 has yet to receive a letter about Beep Cebu’s decision.
The modern jeepney company’s management issued a memorandum on Sept.
22, 2023, for the said undertaking.
Beep Cebu’s memorandum, which gained public traction after it was first posted on radio dyHP RMN’s Facebook page on Monday afternoon, was only an internal communication intended for its employees, Eduardo Montealto Jr., director of the LTFRB 7, told SunStar Cebu on Tuesday, Sept. 26.
Reasons
In its memo, Beep Cebu cited that one key factor contributing to this decision is the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has disrupted the deployment of their 20 gazelle units manufactured in Russia. This conflict has obstructed the company’s ability to secure spare parts for its gazelle units, impacting their maintenance and overall reliability.
The company also said that intense competition within the transportation sector has presented difficulties for the company in maintaining its market position and profitability, which they said is due to the delay in the approval of route modification requests.
Ongoing civil works related to the CBRT system have led to disruptions that have made it increasingly challenging for the company to deliver reliable and punctual transportation services to its passengers.
Beep Cebu has expressed concerns that these construction activities have negatively impacted its ability to generate revenue.
Suspension
According to Montealto, the LTFRB permits the suspension of operations of a transport company for up to five percent of its total units.
The modern jeepney company has around 58 units that ply routes under special permits from Cebu City Hall to Cebu IT Park in Barangay Lahug in Cebu City; Banawa to Panagdait in Mabolo, Cebu City; Tabunok, Talisay City to Cebu IT Park; and Minglanilla to Cebu IT Park.
Challenges for commuters
Commuter Clarck Neil Alcontin, a Carcar City native currently residing in Barangay Pahina Central in Cebu City, relies on modern jeepneys for commuting to work in Cebu IT Park.
Due to the traffic caused by the ongoing construction of the CBRT system, Alcontin told SunStar Cebu that he has had to start his journey to work as early as 8 p.m., even though his workday begins at 10 p.m.
Alcontin said he recently noticed a decrease in available vehicles to ride, making it advantageous for him to start his commute early.
If Beep Cebu temporarily ceases its operation, individuals like Alcontin may face additional difficulties in their commute to work, and they may resort to the inefficient traditional jeepneys and motorcycle-for-hire.
Assurance
However, Montealto assured the commuting public that there is no need to worry about Beep Cebu’s announcement as the public transportation will not be hampered if it pushes with its decision.
FCTC president Ellen Maghanoy said in a separate interview on Tuesday that she had reached out to Montealto, informing him that a substantial number of modernized public utility vehicles are on standby.
She also mentioned that there are approximately 100 standby units available from cooperatives and corporations within the FCTC.
Maghanoy, who is also the chairperson of El Pardo Transport, said they have 10 standby units ready for immediate dispatch.
SunStar Cebu tried to ask Beep Cebu’s management for comment but calls and texts were left unanswered as of this writing.