Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) — Traditional jeepneys may continue plying routes until 2028 as long as they are “road-worthy,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said Thursday
“Basta road-worthy naman ang pinag-uusapan natin,” Bautista told reporters. “Kung maayos ang makina, maayos ang brakes, maayos ang mga upuan; pwede namang i-consider ‘yan ng LTFRB.”[Translation: We are talking about road-worthiness. If the engine, brakes, seats are in good condition, the LTFRB can consider that.]The Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief explained that although the government encourages the modernization of more public utility vehicles, he understands the plight of drivers and operators.“Kung hindi naman talaga magagawa, we’ll see to it na lang na road-worthy ‘yung equipment [If it’s really not doable, we’ll just see to it that all the equipment are road-worthy],” Bautista added, noting the long and costly process of modernizing PUV units.According to the DOTr, out of 200,000 jeepneys in the country, only about 6,000 have been modernized.The agency is currently working on the consolidation of PUV drivers and operators into cooperatives or corporations “for them to maximize the efficiency of their fleet.” So far, around 60% are consolidated, Bautista said.Asked how they would encourage more drivers and operators to go through modernization, the DOTr chief pointed out the benefits of taking part in the consolidation.“If they are consolidated, they can borrow money from the banks, which can finance the acquisition of new vehicles,” he said.
