Sirib buses, jeepneys offer 50% discount for students

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—Students who commute everyday can now avail of a 50% fare discount if they ride on few selected Sirib [Knowledge] buses or jeepneys.

The Ilocos Norte government gives Sirib buses and jeepneys fuel subsidies.

The project starts with five routes beginning September 9, 2016. At least five buses and two jeepneys will service said routes. Signage will specify pick-up and drop off points for student-commuters.

Cipriano Hilarion “Perry” Martinez III, Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) consultant said the five new routes cover the following: Laoag-Pasuquin north route; Laoag-Batac and Laoag-Suba-Paoay routes for the Sirib school bus project; while the jeepney service covers the Laoag-Nueva Era and Laoag-Solsona eastern routes.

Mr. Martinez added that the Sirib school service project is still on an “exploratory” period hence they expect some glitches in the operation.

“Ito ay testing muna. We expect some problems to arise so please let us know,” Mr. Martinez said. He disclosed that Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos initiated the project to help students who commute to and from school.

With the successful “Night Express” as inspiration, MINC is again exploring the expansion of transport service particularly among student-commuters who live in far flung areas.

Night Express is a subsidized public transport system extending the operation of bus and jeepney operators and drivers in different parts of the province.

For students to avail of discounted fares, Mr. Martinez said they have to show their valid identification cards.

The project’s test run is expected to end by December this year.

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