Transport groups oppose P2P buses between airport and Megaworld transport hub

SEVERAL TRANSPORT groups have questioned the operations of premium point-to-point (P2P) buses in Iloilo, particularly those plying the route between the Megaworld Transport Hub in Iloilo City to the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town. The New Iloilo Airport Transport Association and Association (NIATA) and the Association of Taxi Operators in Panay (ATOP) submitted a position letter to the Sangguniang Panlungsod last July 17 expressing opposition to the provisional authority granted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to Southwest Travel and Tours. “Our associations are strongly opposing the grant of the provisional authority to Southwest Transport as it violates several existing ordinances,” the position letter said. The transport associations also lamented that they were never notified nor informed about the provisional authority. The Western Visayas Transport Coalition also submitted an opposition letter to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas on July 31. Iloilo City Councilor Rommel D. Duron, chairman of the committee on transportation, said they will review the ordinance granted to Megaworld’s transport hub and review if there is a need to regulate the P2P’s scheduled trips.—Emme Rose S. Santiagudo