THE anti-overloading policy is not being strictly observed by most jeepney associations in Baguio city, according to the City Council research division team.
In a report submitted to Vice Mayor Edison Bilog, the team under local legislative staff officer V Dan Ricky Ong concluded City Council Resolution 278 “Requesting the Baguio City Police-Traffic Enforcement Unit to strictly implement the no-overloading policy for public utility jeepneys in the city of Baguio” is not being strictly implemented based on the result of their legislative monitoring and evaluation undertaken by local legislative staff officer Michelle Dulay.
According to the findings, Baguio City Police Office traffic management unit chief Armando Gapuz said their office is implementing the policy pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 4136 and Resolution 278-16 as did some public utility jeepney (PUJ) association heads whose feedbacks were sought on the issue.
One PUJ association president, however, asked for exemption during rush hours as many jeepneys fail to return to their terminal due to traffic problems in main highways and the central business district.
A random survey conducted among passengers however showed many jeepneys resort to overloading due to need to earn extra income, accommodate passengers during rush hours, lack of awareness of the policy, limited number of PUJ units during night time and they care less because penalties are low and affordable.
In the same survey, the passengers suggested the implementation of the policy be made more strict through the conduct of regular inspections.
The PUJ groups should ensure there are enough units available during rush hours and night time and associations must be allowed to load passengers from others lines particularly in areas with limited units.
There were also suggestions for the phase out of old PUJ units and upgrade to modern ones and for the provision of loading and unloading areas for Aurora Hill and Trancoville trunklines.
For her part, Dulay recommended the City Council consider the suggestions of the jeepney groups and the passengers and pass measures to request Congress to amend RA 4136 by providing stiffer penalties and for the BCPO to strictly implement the policy. (PR)