PALO, Leyte, (PIA) — A huge step towards the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization program in Region 8 took place on November 12 with the launching of 10 new Public Utility Buses which are Omnibus Franchising Guidelines compliant and equipped with an Automatic Fare Collection System and a passenger restroom.
This is made possible by the Visayas Liner through Mr. Rainier Mancera, his partner Atty. Ryan Mancera and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Franchising Regulatory Office 8, under the supervision of the Regional Director Gualberto N. Gualberto.
The routes covered include Tacloban-Ormoc an vice versa with seven buses for Tacloban-Ormoc and vice versa, and Tacloban- Naval with three buses.
The launching was held at 10 o’clock in the morning at the McArthur Landing Memorial and Tourist Site Viewing Deck in Palo, Leyte.
Invited to the event are Leyte Governor Mic Petilla, Palo Mayor Ann Petilla, Congressman Ching Veloso of the 3rd District of Leyte, Former Governor and DOE Secretary Icot Petilla and Richard Ang, representative of OPAV.
Governor Petilla welcomed this development as it will impact on the lives of the people who are dependent on public transportation.
Congressman Vicente Veloso said he has always been supportive of the government’s modernization program.
Mr. Rainier Mancera, in his speech, said, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his family are taking a big risk, but they are willing to gamble in the name of public service.
Atty. Ryan Mancera said, what really made him decide to go ahead with this transport business was a picture he saw at FB — that of an old woman, riding on a jeepney sitted at the steps at the entrance of the jeep.
The operations of the buses will start this month of November. Cash-less transaction will be observed but during the transition period the riding public may pay in cash.
The terminal will be at Robinson’s Marasbaras in Tacloban. In Ormoc, it will be at Robinson’s South and in Naval, it is at the terminal near the market.
Highlights of the launching are the awarding of Provisional Authority and Special Permit to the Visayas Ventures Inc., the ribbon cutting and blessing of the units.
A press conference facilitated by PIA followed. (PIA-8)
