Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 29) — With only two days left for the consolidation deadline, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said 33.21% of jeepneys in Metro Manila have joined a cooperative under the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
In a press briefing on Friday, LTFRB National Capital Region (NCR) director Zona Tamayo said the percentage is equivalent to 13,893 jeepney units and covers 317 routes.
Most of the consolidated routes traverse major thoroughfares, Tamayo added.
The regulatory board also recorded that 3,359 or 44.3% of utility vehicle vans have consolidated, covering 81 routes in Metro Manila.
Transport group PISTON earlier filed a petition to block the PUV modernization program, which mandates that operators consolidate their franchises by Dec. 31. Failure to comply will lead to revocation of their franchise, with drivers of unconsolidated PUVs on the road to be arrested.
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Citing the regulatory board’s data from Dec.1 to 29, Office of Transportation Corporation Chairman Andy Ortega said at least 101 jeepney operators “showed interest” in joining a cooperative, noting that some have already applied to join.
Despite fewer PUVs by January, the LTFRB assured the public that there would be no transportation crisis as they will grant special permits to unconsolidated PUVs by the first week of 2024, which will be in effect until Jan. 31.
READ: LTFRB: Commuters to feel PUV cuts by January but no transport crisis
