Modern jeep coops urged to orient drivers, conductors

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez urged the cooperatives of modernized jeepneys to conduct orientations and trainings for their drivers and conductors to ensure the safety of their passengers.

Benitez said it’s mandated in the franchise agreement that the owner or operators of the public utility vehicles (PUVs) should orient and train their driver and conductor before they are deployed on their routes.

"If they are not following the agreement and not attending to their employees, then we will base it on the complaints, and we will act on it,” he said.

On September 20, a 19-year-old female passenger of the modernized jeepney plying Homesite-Central Market went viral on social media after she posted on Facebook that she was allegedly bullied by the conductor.

Benitez also called on the operator of the modernized jeepney, including the conductor, who allegedly bullied the complainant.

After the meeting, the conductor also issued a public apology, claiming that it was not his intention to hurt the feelings of the complainant.

"If there are additional cases filed in my office, then we will take appropriate action and call them. To the extent of the law, if we can penalize them, we will,” Benitez said.

He said the driver and conductor of the PUVs should ensure the safety of their passengers since it’s their job and source of income.*