Transport group to hold Feb. 6 strike to protest phaseout of old jeepneys, PUVs

A group of jeepney drivers and operators will conduct a nationwide transport strike on February 6 in protest of the government's order calling for the modernization and phaseout of dilapidated jeepneys, a Balitanghali report said on Wednesday.

Transport group Stop and Go expects that about 74,000 jeeps and thousands of UV Express vehicles will participate in the protest which will be held in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, GMA News' Mark Salazar reported.

The group said the draft of the department order of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will deprive many drivers and operators of their livelihood.

It added the draft order was made without consultation.

Under the draft, jeepney operators will be required to replace old engines with Euro IV compliant ones. If not, they have to purchase hybrid or electric jeeps which Stop and Go estimates would cost at least P1.6 million.

The draft also states jeepney and taxi operators would need at least P7 million and P12 million in capital, respectively, and a minimum fleet of 12 units to obtain a franchise.

The guidelines also call for GPS and Wi-Fi service to be made available inside the jeepneys.

Stop and Go said the new guidelines will only allow wealthy public transport operators to have a franchise.

The group said it is willing to bring the protest to court or to Congress to prevent the DOTr from implementing the department order in February.

GMA News has contacted DOTr for comment but has yet to receive a reply. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KG, GMA News