Mayor warns Baguio PUJ drivers on work time sked

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong warned operators and drivers of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in this summer capital to strictly comply with the ordinance requiring to serve the commuting public until 10 p.m.
    He also reminded PUJ operators of their obligation to maintain cleanliness of assigned terminals and jeepney units and maintain personal hygiene in face of the health risks including the continuing threat of Covid-19.
    The mayor said he had been receiving complaints from the riding public about the lack of PUJ units as early as 8 p.m.
    Reports were also received on the untidy condition of the terminals and the units and the poor hygiene and dishevelled appearance of some drivers.
    "We must remember that we are in the public utility sector and our priority should be to serve the public notwithstanding the unfavorable conditions facing us like the high fuel costs and traffic problems which we are trying our best to solve," the mayor said.
    Ordinance 133, Series of 2018 extended operation of PUJs until 10 p.m. amending Ordinance 66, Series of 1995 which mandated a 9 p.m. cut-off. The measure requires all jeepney operators and driver associations operating within the city, except inter-municipality jeepneys to maintain available units for passengers from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. under duly approved schemes.
    The prescribed number of units are 3 units for jeepney associations with not more than 15 units, 5 units for those with 16 to 25 units, and 8 units for those with 26 to 35 units. The ordinance also provides that "nothing in the proposal shall prohibit any jeepney operator, driver, or jeepney operators and drivers' association from extending services beyond the mandatory operation of jeepneys that was set in the exigency of service."
    The number of units specified in the measure may also be increased by the city's Traffic and Transportation Management Committee when public necessity requires the same.