Ribbon cutting and blessing of the fleet. From left to right: Rev. Fr. Eisen John Cruz, city trade and promotion office Emy Agoncillo, Byahe president/CEO Brian Cu, Byahe public affairs head Leo Gonzales, Byahe director Brenda Estrella, Angeles business community representative Atty. Angelo Valencia, Megaworld Township Transport Terminal Inc. deputy general manager Kent Avestruz, Byahe consultant for infrastructure Jojo Lontok. Photo by Joann Manabat
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Changing the public transportation system for the better, Byahe formally launched its modern jeepneys at the Kingsborough Convention Center here on Thursday.
The ribbon–cutting ceremony and formal blessing of the fleet was led by Byahe president and CEO Brian Cu together with city trade and promotion officer Emy Agoncillo, Byahe public affairs head Leo Gonzales, Megaworld Township Transport Terminal Inc. deputy general manager Kent Avestruz, Byahe director Brenda Estrella, and Byahe consultant for infrastructure Jojo Lontok.
Anchored on the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, Byahe is pioneering here an organized and efficient public transportation sector that will bring safety and convenience to the commuting public.
According to Cu, Byahe envisions to pursue the PUV modernization program by professionalizing the services of the jeepney drivers and make commuting more convenient, safer, and more affordable.
“We believe we are changing the landscape of public transportation for the better. Byahe will bring convenience and safety to the riding public while contributing to a more organized and efficient transportation sector,” said Cu.
The Byahe modern jeepney is a 22-seating capacity with an aisle space for nine standing passengers. There will be four Byahe units that will be deployed on each of the initial three routes for route familiarization by January 31. Cu also noted that they can easily deploy more up until the number of accredited units is reached.
“We were able to secure three routes here in San Fernando and we will deploy four units on each route starting next week. So we have San Fernando to San Isidro, San Fernando to San Agustin, and Telabastagan,” said Cu.
“With the situation we are in, the capacity will be halved and standing is not allowed. Anywhere from 10 to 15 passengers and then all the jeeps will adhere to safety protocols, drivers will be screened and tested and we also have barriers and dividers,” Cu added.
In full compliance with the omnibus franchise guidelines of the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchise Regulatory Board, Byahe positions itself as a corporate consolidator, bringing together the fragmented operators of the PUJ sector.
LTFRB legal assistant II Jesus Sison said one of the plans under the PUV modernization program is the consolidation of the industry and the rationalization of routes.
“We are trying to get more modernized units here in our region. The LTFRB, with the guidance of the DOTr, ang hangarin namin ay magkaroon ng maayos na transportation para sa ating mananakay,” said Sison.
“There are a lot of problems in transportation right now and we need to find solutions. Hindi na akma ang ruta ngayon sa takbo ng buhay ng mga tao. That’s why the LGU is also involved in the determination and survey of routes,” Sison added. “Dahil dito sa pagmo–modernize, matutugunan din natin ang requirements ng health standards and protocol for safety.”
Similar to the PUV system implemented in first world countries, Byahe will adopt a system in its operations by having designated stops to maximize the efficient use of existing road networks and capacity to solve traffic and transport issues. The entire fleet will also be managed under an efficient technical platform that allows for cashless payments.
All modern jeepney operations are mandated to provide a fleet management system, virtually ending the archaic practice that creates traffic congestion and leaves a huge carbon footprint.
