DOTr, Cebu launch provincial gov't-led transport service contracting program

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Cebu Provincial Government have launched a provincial government-led transport service contracting program.

This is to enable Cebuanos have access to public transportation while providing support to drivers and operators.

According to the DOTr, the program titled “Tabang Pangbyahe Program” is a “first-of-its-kind” led by a provincial government following the earlier launch of a land-based service contracting project nationwide.

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The DOTr said that it will give P20 million worth of funds to support the provincial program through an agreement signed among the representatives of the department, Cebu Provincial Government, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

“Participating bus operators must comply with the standards set by the Cebu Provincial Government, including the installation of GPS devices in buses linked to a local command center for real-time monitoring, adherence to cleanliness and sanitation standards, the use of PWD-friendly low-floor buses, well-maintained air-conditioning, and compliance with the prescribed 60-passenger, no-standing policy,” the DOTr said in a press release.

The department noted that bus operators will be encouraged to ply underserved routes as they are allowed to serve passengers through designated stops.

These sites are based from a study made by the Provincial Planning and Development Office.

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The agency added that eligible public utility vehicles may start processing their applications once the funds for the program are released.

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“This program is a good example of how such partnerships can help improve public transport services for commuters,” Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez said in the same press release.

“Aside from the operators and drivers, commuters will also benefit from this to ensure sufficient public transportation,” he added.

The DOTr began its service contracting program nationwide last April 15 in response to the rising fuel prices brought by the tension in the Middle East.

The country-wide program ended last May 22.

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It was allotted a budget of P800 million. /apl