Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18) — A list published by the government on Thursday showed hundreds of public utility vehicle (PUV) routes nationwide still have no consolidated entities despite the lapse of the franchise consolidation deadline over two weeks ago.
Based on the list released by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on its website, more than 300 jeepney routes in Metro Manila alone remain without consolidated entities, while the count is at more than 70 routes for UV express.
The same data meanwhile showed that PUVs plying the more than 400 other routes in the capital region have already consolidated, although many of them have below 60% consolidation.
Several jeepney drivers and operators in other regions also failed to consolidate into a cooperative or corporation, as mandated by the government for its controversial PUV modernization program.
An LTFRB official earlier said the ideal rate of consolidation is 65%. However, in areas with low rates, special permits would be issued to allow some drivers to operate outside their routes.
READ: Unconsolidated jeeps can still ply roads until Jan. 31, but what happens after?
Despite the lapsing of the Dec. 31, 2023 deadline, the government has allowed unconsolidated operators to still ply their routes until Jan. 31.
The LTFRB said this is to allow the agency to follow due process for those who did not comply.
It explained that operators who failed to comply will be issued a show cause order, so they can submit their explanation, which will then be evaluated to determine if their franchise will be revoked.
Beginning Feb. 1, all unconsolidated PUV units will no longer be allowed to operate.
Earlier, the LTFRB said it does not see the high non-compliance rate significantly affecting commuters since many routes are “secondary” routes also served by other modes of public transport.
Even so, the agency said it is still studying the possibility of giving one last chance to operators who have not yet joined a cooperative or corporation.
