Cebu City – An ordinance is set to be implemented in Cebu City that will transform gasoline stations and establishment frontages into designated passenger loading and unloading areas for buses and jeepneys. Councilor Rey Gealon, chairperson of the Cebu City Traffic Management Committee, announced that roadside bus and jeepney stops would be prohibited under this new 'lay-by' ordinance. The measure aims to alleviate traffic congestion exacerbated by the ongoing construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gealon, a pilot study is being conducted in the Bulacao corridor in the city's south district to address traffic concerns. The 'lay-by' concept involves suspending jeepney stops along major roads and using gasoline stations or frontages of large establishments as improvised loading and unloading zones. Gealon explained this initiative to the Philippine News Agency, highlighting the city government's plan to designate these areas as 'discipline zones.' In these zones, passengers will face penalties for jaywalking if they do not use the designated stops.
As part of the ordinance's implementation, traffic signs are being installed in the Bulacao corridor to prohibit modern and traditional jeepneys and buses from loading and unloading passengers on the roadsides. Gasoline station and establishment owners involved in the pocket lay-by system will be invited to a public hearing to provide input on optimizing the process. Gealon described this involvement as a form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and a contribution to the city government's efforts to ease traffic congestion.
Raquel Arce, head of city traffic, mentioned that establishing these pockets loading and unloading areas will require pedestrians to make a 'little sacrifice' by walking from the gasoline stations to their destinations. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage traffic flow and pedestrian movement more efficiently in the city.