Special permits seen solution to COVID-19 ban on jeepneys, vans in Digos City

DIGOS CITY—Public transportation is going through the wringer here as a result of travel restrictions to prevent the spread of SARS Cov2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

It could end, soon, though as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office in the Davao Region could issue special permits for public utility vehicles to resume servicing the Digos City-Magsaysay town route in Davao del Sur province.

The possibility emerged after a meeting between LTFRB officials and Mayor Arthur Davin, of Magsaysay, last Thursday (July 23) to seek solutions to the transportation woes of people who travel along the route for work and trade.

Anthony Allada, Magsaysay information officer, said the LTFRB office, through planning officer Rolando Paalisbo, discussed the special permits for jeepneys and vans plying the route between Magsaysay and Digos.

As Bansalan town lies in between, public transport vehicles could also be allowed to pick up and drop passengers there.

Allada said Paalisbo promised to help provide transport for essential travel.

Davin said he welcomed the LTFRB decision as a breakthrough for commuters and also as a chance for workers and investors in the transportation sector to regain their source of livelihood.

Tricycles and motorcycle taxis are the principal means of transport in Magsaysay town. Vans and jeepneys that connect it to other towns and Digos are still banned from resuming operations.

TSB