DAVAO CITY – The City Council is now endorsing the ordinance regarding the opening up of new routes for public utility vehicles (PUVs) and shuttle buses in the far-flung areas of the city.
This is due to the rising need and demand of the people and residents of subdivisions and far-flung areas for a more efficient and safe public transportation.
Councilor Bernard Al-ag, the committee chairman on rules, laws and privileges ordinances said on Tuesday that they kept on receiving complaints from the people living in subdivisions regarding the lack of transportation in the area.
“We have approved the amended Zoning Ordinance of 2013 and have put up many subdivisions. But the problem is that there is no available transportation means provided for them, which is why we will endorse this proposal to the body,” he said.
Al-ag said some tricycle drivers have opted to drive along national highways, while some privately-owned tricycles went on colorum, which created an outburst among tricycle driver who have abided the rules set by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
“Nine out of 10 tricycle drivers are on colorum which is (disappointing) since there is no consistent enforcement of laws set by the Traffic Management Group (TMG). We have to strengthen the implementation of traffic laws in order to totally abolish those who do colorum,” he said.
With the approval of the said ordinance, the public will be provided with safe, efficient, and a more reliable means of transportation for the commuters from far-flung areas, Al-ag claimed.
Some of the routes are the following: Calinan – Talandang to New Carmen – Maa, Calinan – Talandang to Mulig – Toril, Bunawan to Buhangin passing through Cabantian – Indangan highway, diversion road going to airport passing Shrine Hills and back to MacArthur – Maa Road.
Al-ag said that these franchises will be available and provided by the LTFRB.
He also said the city is prepared for the displacement of tricycle drivers who will lose income once the new routes will be established.
“There will really be some of them who will lose income, but we are thinking more of the safety of the riding public,” he said. (davaotoday.com)
