Groups appeal to extend franchise of traditional jeepneys after March 2023

Several transportation groups appealed to extend the franchise of the traditional jeepneys after March or April 2023, according to Joseph Morong’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday.

Jeepney driver Christopher Vallador said he wanted to use the traditional jeepney because the boundary is lower than the modern jeepneys like mini-buses.

“Ito P900. Pag sa modern jeepney, P3,900,” Vallador said.

He is worried that the traditional jeepney will be phased out under the Jeepney Modernization Program of the government.

In Taguig, at least 19 mini buses arived replacing traditional jeepneys.

Several commuters raised their views on the looming jeepney phaseout.

“Sana po mayroon pa rin pong traditional dahil part na po siya ng culture natin. Accessible po kahit saan,” commuter Gwen Duterte said.

“Mas komportable po sa e-jeep. P3 lang po difference,” another commuter Jana Remista said.

The validity of the provisional authorities or franchise for traditional jeepneys issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is until March 31, while for the National Capital Region (NCR) it will be until the end of April 2023.

“Mahirap ho yung kasi it would affect ang service ng riding public at ayaw naman ho natin ng ganun,” Zona Tamayo, LTFRB-NCR regional director, said.

The LTFRB board will decide if the franchises will be extended after March.

Meanwhile, the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas (LTOP) also appealed to extend the franchise to allow traditional jeepneys to continue operation beyond March or April.

The group said several jeepney drivers could not afford to replace their old vehicles with new ones that are supposed to be more environment-friendly due to their high cost.

“Mayroong requirement sa mga nagbebenta ng sasakyan na 20 to 30% ang downpayment,” LTOP president Orlando Marquez said.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News