BAGUIO CITY – City officials recently reiterated the pertinent provisions of Ordinance No. 30, series of 2018 which sets the standard height of step boards for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) plying the various routes inside and outside the city.
Under Resolution No. 738, series of 2023, local legislators stated that despite numerous efforts on the part of the city government and concerned government agencies, it has been observed that some jeepneys are not strictly complying with the pertinent provisions of Ordinance No. 30, series of 2018 which is to the gross disadvantage not only of the senior citizens but also the riding public.
During the Senior Citizens Official for A Day (SCOFAD) session held on October 9, 2023, the SCOFAD Council adopted the proposal of SCOFAD Councilor Lourdes C. Senen that reiterating the pertinent provisions of Ordinance No. 30, series of 2018 that set the standard height of step boards for jeepneys’ and providing copies to barangay district representatives, all jeepney associations and or jeepney transport cooperatives for their guidance.
Earlier, the local government, through Ordinance No. 30, series of 2018, set the standard height of step boards in public utility jeepneys in the city for the convenience of passengers, especially when boarding and alighting from the said jeepneys.
Article 18 of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act (RA) 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2011 provided that the minimum requirements and standards to make transportation facilities and utilities for public use accessible to senior citizens shall be developed to enhance the mobility of senior citizens.
Further, there shall be strict implementation of courtesy spaces and sets for the exclusive use of senior citizens in all transport systems.
The body claimed that as far as practicable, public utility vehicles shall also strive to install safe lower stepping boards for the convenience of the passengers.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the concerned offices, barangays, jeepney associations and cooperatives for their information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. By Dexter A. See
