Implementation of Iloilo City’s LPTRP suspended for 45 days

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has issued an executive order (EO) suspending the implementation of the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) in Iloilo City for 45 days.

The suspension will start on Friday next week, July 8, according to Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO) head Jeck Conlu.

In his EO, Treñas stated several factors that led to the temporary halt to the implementation of the city’s new transport route plan.

These included “the still existing COVID-19 pandemic which requires the observance of health and safety protocols, the increasing prices of commodities, and the inflation experienced by both national and local economies.”

Also considered were “the public clamor of the community, and the impending increase of commuters due to the upcoming opening of classes.”

The city government launched on June 12 the implementation of LPTRP, which was approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in November last year.

The implementation earned criticisms from commuters and jeepney drivers and operators.

Many complained that they have to take two or more rides to get to their respective destinations while others have to wait more than 30 minutes to get a ride.

LPTRP prohibited provincial jeepneys, especially those coming from “first towns,” from entering the city.

The suspension will “give all operators, cooperatives, drivers, riding public and the LTFRB an opportunity to address their respective concerns to the Sangguniang Panlungsod.”

According to Conlu, the seven new routes created through LPTRP will be retained.

Under the EO, the PSTMO is “tasked to prepare contingency plans for the expected traffic congestion in temporarily allowing transport associations of the first town routes and the old city loop mutes to ply the streets of Iloilo City.”