Jeepney Barkers Appointed as New Traffic Marshalls

To help with the implementation of the minimum health protocols against COVID-19 among commuters from the different Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) terminals in the city, jeepney barkers were tapped as traffic marshalls.

These dispatchers were from the city’s 88 PUJ associations serving the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay (BLISTT). This will serve as the PUJ associations’ contribution to the anti-COVID-19 campaign and the volunteers will not get any compensation.

During the launching of the Baguio City Transport Marshalls program on September 5, 2020, the jeepney dispatchers were formally deputized by the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) under Director P/Col. Allen Rae Co.

According to BCPO Director Co, the Baguio City Transport Marshalls program was conceptualized based on the BCPO Traffic Plan and observance of the minimum health standards in anticipation of the gradual reopening of businesses and tourism in Baguio City and the region of Cordillera was incorporated.

Co added that BCPO recognized the important role of the transport group in their overall strategy in the fight against COVID-19 since mass transportation is one of the most vulnerable and possible sources of COVID-19 transmission.

Directors Co’s Message for the PUJ associations:

“We thank our the associations and our barkers for their cooperation. These are additional tasks for them but they willingly accepted as part of their duty and responsibility in our ongoing fight against our public enemy no. 1, the COVID-19.”

Furthermore, Director Co said that the dispatchers already underwent orientation about the proper implementation of the health and safety measures among the passengers.

As the dispatchers will continue to man their stations, here are their tasks as  new traffic marshalls:

• Checking of passengers’ facemask and faceshields.
• Ensure the observance of social distancing before boarding.
• Ensure the observance of regular disinfection of the PUJ units before and after loading.

Furthermore, the new marshalls will wear vests that are marked with the seal of Baguio City and BCPO Transport Marshall “Disiplina Muna, Pasahero ko, Bantay Ko.”

Source: PIO-City of Baguio