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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