MODERN JEEPS. A modern jeepney and a traditional jeepney run side by side the southern routes of Metro Cebu in this undated photo. LTFRB-7 regional director Eduardo Montealto Jr. on Thursday (Oct. 5, 2023) said 40 modern jeepneys will be deployed to the commercial district at Cebu IT Park to cater to transport needs of 80,000 call center agents working in the area. (PNA file photo)
CEBU CITY – Around 40 modern jeepneys will be deployed to this capital city’s commercial district to cater to the 80,000 call center employees’ transport needs, an official said Thursday.
Eduardo Montealto Jr., Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-7) regional director, said his office had granted a temporary permit for additional units to ply the Cebu IT Park route when the transport company that previously serviced the area ceased operations.
Beep Transport, the company that previously deployed modern jeepneys for the employees at Cebu IT Park, informed the agency that it temporarily ceased operations, citing various reasons.
Montealto said one reason for the company was the limited access to parts and additional jeepney units from Russia.
He said the company is using Russian-made units.
Aside from this, the company reportedly was losing to traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) now that the restrictions imposed during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic had already been lifted.
“The population of employees in Cebu IT Park has risen to 80,000, leading to a higher demand for public transport,” Montealto said.
He assured that there would be no disruptions, and if necessary, they would add more modern jeepneys to routes abandoned by the company. (PNA)
