THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has learned that over 3,000 jeepney drivers in Cebu will be “displaced” due to the revision of the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP).
This information was revealed by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Director Eduardo Montealto during a meeting with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
Montealto said the revised LPTRP is already at 86 percent completion.
The LPTRP is a plan detailing the route network, mode and required number of units per mode for delivering public land transport services.
He explained that with the revision of the LPTRP almost nearing completion, over 3,000 jeepney drivers are expected to be rerouted due to the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project.
Montealto also revealed that the implementation of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program is at 70 percent, while others have opted to “stop” operating their utility vehicles.
The concern of the jeepney drivers arose when Garcia expressed her concerns about the ongoing CBRT project to DOTr Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon.
Along with Montealto, Garcia and Dizon, representatives from the World Bank, Land Transportation Office, Cebu City Government and Sen. Pia Cayetano were present at the meeting.
Garcia said that if the consultants of the CBRT project had consulted with the different local governments, fewer funds would have been wasted.
Garcia reportedly issued Memorandum 16-2024 on Feb. 27, 2024, ordering the contractor and project implementers of CBRT Package 1 to cease further construction of the bus stations along Osmeña Blvd., fronting the Capitol building, due to potential violations of Republic Act 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.
Representatives from the DOTr clarified that there will be no more bus stations erected between the Fuente Circle and the Capitol.
Dizon echoed the clarification, stating that constructing bus stations that would obstruct the façade of the Capitol was a violation from the outset.
“It’s clear in the law in the first place. Clearly, this is a violation,” Dizon said.
Moreover, Dizon assured Garcia that he would meet with the LTFRB, LTO, Cebu City Government and his team to gather data on who will be affected by the CBRT.
“We will get this data sorted and provide it to the consultants,” Dizon stated.
The reason for Dizon’s visit to the governor was to discuss matters concerning the CBRT.
“The instructions of the President himself are to fast-track the development of infrastructures because we need them desperately. We need better connectivity, we need better facilities for our commuters,” Dizon said during a press conference before the meeting with Garcia.
He affirmed that the CBRT is still an ongoing project, adding that there has been significant progress in the project’s first phase. (JPS)
