It is still too early to call the implementation of the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) in Iloilo City a failure, the transport regulator said.

The implementation, which started on June 12, has been criticized for adding burden to commuters as well as to jeepney drivers.

In an interview on IMT Conversations, lawyer Jun Altura, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-6) legal officer, said the city government has been given six months to fine-tune the new transport route plan.

“We are just on [the second week] of the implementation and there is a long way to go. There are inconveniences presently being experienced by the commuters.These inconveniences may be rectified by immediate measures taken by the [city government’s] PSTMO (Public Safety and and Transportation Management Office) by way of traffic rerouting.”

Altura apologized and appealed for patience and understanding from the riding public.

“Ining inconvenience temporary lang ini. Dapat intindihon naton nga ang modernization program lakip na ang pag adopt sang LPTRP are all design to promote general welfare,” he said.

“Wala man na sa katuyoan sang LGU and enforces to create havoc and inconvenience, disadvantage sa aton pumuluyo,” Altura stressed.

According to him, there are also inconveniences that cannot be addressed immediately and require modification of the LPTRP.

“Sa subong, if there are modifications, we are not talking of the permanent modification of the LPTRP, what we are talkng is rerouting to accommodate and address the pressing concerns,” said Altura.

He also clarified the LTFRB does not blame anybody nor wash their hands of responsibility over the “chaotic” rollout of the transport route plan.

“I could not recall having made any statement nga ginapasa namon ini nga sala sa Iloilo City Government or the transport group,” said Altura.

“We have always been one in our voice and our stand that the implementation of the LPTRP of Iloilo City will fall or succeed on our collective effort. We don’t have time to put blame on anybody,” he further said.IMT