The city government of Cagayan de Oro has suspended temporarily the implementation of new public utility jeepney (PUJ) routes under the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) so it can review the program further.

Mayor Rolando Uy ordered the suspension after several transport groups affected expressed concerns over the impact of the new route system on their operations.

The suspension was confirmed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Northern Mindanao (LTFRB-10).

“Siguro i-revisit yung some routes sa LPTRP para pag-aralan muli. I think this is also good for us to have the time na dagdagan pa ang ating paghahanda,” LTFRB-10 Director, Abosamen Matuan, said.

The suspension was welcomed by groups of traditional jeepney drivers and operators, many of whom had seen a significant drop in income since the LPTRP rollout.

Some drivers who had stopped operating for several days have resumed their routes.

“Balik na sila tanan unya ikaduha nadungog nako ang mga pasalamat sa mga pasahero kay ganina didto man ko sa NHA nagtapok mi sa mga driver nagpasalamat ang mga sumasakay kay nabalik sa normal ang ilang rota,” United Drivers Association Chairman, Joel Gabatan, said.

However, a group of transport cooperatives was dismayed with the move of the local government.

The group said the implementation of LPTRP has been delayed for three years since it was approved in 2022.

“Wala pa gani nagduha ka adlaw nag status quo na sila hunahunaon ang nimo ang gasto sa prangkisa, among kahago sa pagpatuman, among kahago sa pag-comply ang pagpatawag og meeting sa mga miyembro amo na gihimo,” NOMFEDTRASCO CEO, Luzminda Escobidal, said.

As of now, no clear timeline has been set for the reimplementation of the LPTRP, but LTFRB-10 is urging PUJ drivers and operators to prepare for its reimplementation.