Jeepney operators and drivers who failed to join the government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program would be allowed to operate beyond the Dec. 31 consolidation deadline but only in routes that have few consolidated units.
Joel Bolano, chief of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) technical division, said unconsolidated jeepneys in routes with at least 60 percent of units that consolidated would no longer be able to renew their provisional authorities to operate. Jeepneys plying routes with less than 60% consolidation will be given special permits to run until end of January next year,” he assured.
“In routes with totally no consolidation, they have until January 31 to operate pending the process of assigning units coming from other routes),” he added. Transport officials stressed there would be no extension of the deadline to apply for consolidation into either a cooperative or a corporation, the first step of the modernization program. The deadline in on December 31, 2023.
Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) chair Andy Ortega said offices of the OTC and LTFRB are open until Dec. 31, 2023 at 5 p.m. to accommodate those who would still avail of the consolidation.
“In between 3 to 4 kilometers are the routes of those who have not consolidated. We will continue to coordinate with all agencies concerned, including the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government), LGUs (local government units) and other concerned government agencies in order to have a reliable, convenient, and safe travel,” he assured.
“We still have three days before the deadline. We hope we can encourage them to consolidate with only three days left),” he added.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has earlier expressed support to operators and drivers who have consolidated under the PUVMP. (PNA)