Operators, drivers hold transport caravan vs. jeepney phaseout

Members of the No-to-Jeepney Phaseout Coalition on Monday gathered early on Elliptical Road in Quezon City to protest against the government's jeepney modernization program.

According to Bam Alegre's report on Unang Balita Monday, the jeepney operators and drivers participating in the protest action began their assembly at 7 a.m.

Among those who joined the coalition are members of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON).

Transport strike ng grupong PISTON, ikinasa ngayong araw. | via @allangatus pic.twitter.com/IQ4upmf2f6

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) July 16, 2017

WATCH: Nagsimula na ang programa ng PISTON sa Elliptical Rd. bago ang kanilang transport caravan. | via @allangatus pic.twitter.com/0kI7VYJMl0

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) July 17, 2017

Their plan is to head to Mendiola Bridge near Malacañang to bring their concerns to the Palace's attention.

The members of the group will seek an audience with President Rodrigo Duterte to discuss the planned public utility vehicle modernization project of the Department of Transportation, particularly the replacement of jeepneys with electric models.

The  members said they don't have the resources to comply with the program which is tantamount to government handing over the transport services sector to big companies who are the only ones with the capital.

According to their estimates, about 600,000 drivers and 300,000 jeepney operators will lose their jobs as a result of the modernization plan.

Under the plan, old jeepneys and other public utility vehicles will be phased out.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier said that many of the jeepneys are no longer road-worthy and environment-friendly.

With the modernization plan, routes and a travel time per route will be set and drivers will undergo training to meet these.

So as not to lose their means of earning a living, drivers will suggest to President Duterte that their vehicles be rehabilitated instead.

The protest action on Monday has inconvenienced commuters in many areas.

Ilang ruta ng jeep sa Marikina City at Pasig City, apektado ng transport caravan. | via @Rodveg72 pic.twitter.com/HTYTeuurKp

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) July 17, 2017

PISTON members in Cebu are also holding their own protest action.

Grupong PISTON sa Cebu, magsasagawa lamang ng maikiling programa para sa kanilang kilos-protesta. | via Kit Matus Cortez, RGMA Cebu pic.twitter.com/04afq9ONv3

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) July 16, 2017

Classes have been canceled in some areas due to the transport strike.

PISTON members said if they will not be attended to, they will also hold a protest action on Monday, July 24 as Duterte delivers his State of the Nation Address, according to a report on News To Go by Mark Salazar.

 —KG/KVD, GMA News