PISTON: Routes used by employees, students to be affected

Jeepney routes used by workers, vendors, and students are among those that will be affected when unconsolidated jeeps are restricted starting February 1.

According to Joseph Morong's report on "24 Oras," the transport group PISTON said one of the routes that will be affected is the Cubao-Divisoria line, frequently used by those buying cheaper merchandise in the bargain center in Manila to sell at their shops.

PISTON President Mody Floranda said 165 traditional jeeps are plying the Cubao-Divisoria route, and there are only 13 modern jeeps on the line.

"Saan sasakay yung ating mga commuter? Hindi kakayanin ng lalabingtatlong unit ang dami ng pasahero," .

(Where will the commuters ride? Thirteen units will not be able to accommodate all the passengers.)

The Cubao via E. Rodriguez-España and Project 3 routes—used by employees and students in the University Belt in Manila—will also be affected when the traditional jeeps are restricted after failing to consolidate.

There is reportedly no modern jeep plying the said routes.

"Ngayon pa lang ay makikita natin na kulang ang public transport. Makikita natin yan sa panahon ng rush hour," Floranda said.

(Even now, we can already see the shortage in public transportation. We see that during the rush hour.) 

PISTON said there is no transportation crisis even after the December 31 consolidation deadline because traditional jeeps are still allowed until January 31.

On Thursday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said 50% of jeepneys in Metro Manila did not meet the consolidation deadline.

PISTON said jeepneys plying the routes should not be apprehended on February 1 because the LTFRB did not have the power to suspend their franchises. 

It said that the LTFRB only has a provisional authority and jeepney franchises are from Congress.

The LTFRB earlier said that most of the main streets already have consolidated jeepney groups. 

In February, routes with no consolidated jeeps will be given to consolidated groups. —NB, GMA Integrated News