Juntado again eyed as temporary route for Calumpang-Calaparan PUJs
The woes of residents plying the route Calumpang-Calaparan will be remedied if the Traffic Management and Engineering Unit (TMEU) approves the area in Juntado Subdivision as already suited for vehicular transport.
Councilor Jose Espinosa III, chair of the committee on transportation and communication said the city government along with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have been pouring sand and gravel in the area used by drivers as shorter alternative route in Juntado Subdivision.
Espinosa made such statement in the light of the letter sent by Boyet Parcon, president of a driver's association, and Edmundo Tam of the City Loop of Iloilo Operators and Drivers Association to the City Council. The communication was dated July 24, 2006.
The letter expressed the association's concern relative to the negative effect of the closure and repair of the Batiano Bridge to their driver members. Currently, the Calumpang-Calaparan route passes Arevalo district. Some 12 kilometers added to the number of kilometers they are traveling in order to serve the commuters. An ordinance was passed by the council regarding the Arevalo route. The Land Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on their part had approved a new fare tariff.
In last Wednesday's session, Espinosa said he will immediately act if Senior Inspector Bob Foerster, chief of the TMEU, will declare the area as suitable for vehicular transport. He said he will sponsor and amend the ordinance which mandates the Calumpang-Calaparan public utility jeepneys to pass Juntado Subdivision.
The councilor added the affected commuters should be hopeful that the Juntado homeowners will not oppose the city's plan to use the area as temporary route pending the construction of the Batiano Bridge.