CEBU CITY – An operator of modern jeepneys in Metro Cebu will suspend its operations for six months due to several “severe problems.”
In a memorandum sent to its drivers and public assistance officers (PAOs) or conductors, Beep Cebu informed them that it will suspend operations starting October 1.
The memorandum was signed by Beep Cebu terminal operations head Michael Baldo and human resources director Edgar Bartolata.
BEEP Cebu is temporarily suspending operations starting October 1. (Beep Cebu)
Beep Cebu said in the memorandum that it has been struggling because of severe problems that included the failure to effectively dispatch its 20 Gazelle units because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The company said the war prevented them from purchasing spare parts for its Russian-made Gazelle units.
Beep added that issuance of permits to traditional jeepneys that are competing with its routes has also affected its earnings.
The delay in requested route extensions and modifications and the ongoing construction of the Bus Rapid Transit system have also affected their income, Beep Cebu said.
Beep Cebu said that “until the above problems are resolved,” all drivers and PAOs will be placed under a six-month temporary work suspension while terminal staff will be placed under flexible working arrangement.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) Director Eduardo Montealto assured the public that commuters will not be affected by Beep’s suspension of operations.
"There will be no effect or negligible effect if they stop its operations. We will still have enough MPUJs available to fill in," Montealto said.
Montealto said Beep Cebu has 40 units, of which 20 are Russian-made and 20 made in China.
"They have valid issues but it would have been better if they informed us ahead so we can somehow find solutions to their problems," Montealto added.
Montealto said there are about 1,400 modern PUJs plying in Metro Cebu area and some 200 units are on standby.
If Beep goes on to suspend its operations, special permits will be issued to cover the abandoned routes, Montealto added.