Over 31k jeeps in NCR yet to consolidate before Dec. 31 deadline

According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) data, 73.5% or 31,058 traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila have yet to be consolidated five days before the December 31 deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUVs) as part of the PUV Modernization Program.

Joseph Morong reported Tuesday on “24 Oras” that these 31,058 jeepneys could lose their franchises once the deadline expires. 

Likewise, 66% of jeepneys were not consolidated in Calabarzon and 63% in Zamboanga Peninsula.

As for the nationwide data, 30% of jeepney units have yet to comply with the consolidation deadline.

Jeepney drivers and operators are required to join or form cooperatives under the PUVMP, which aims to replace traditional jeepneys with environment-friendly vehicles. Operators and drivers can apply for new franchises but as part of transport cooperatives.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier this month said there would be no extension for the year-end deadline following a meeting with transport officials.

"We cannot let the minority cause further delays and affect the majority of the operators, banks, financial institutions, and the public at large," Marcos said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

For its part, transport group PISTON remained hopeful the Supreme Court (SC) would issue a temporary restraining order against the implementation of the PUVMP.

“Kapag hindi pinayagan na makapag-renew ‘yung ating mga operator ay talagang magkakaroon ito ng malaking transport crisis. Hindi lamang sa bahagi ng National Capital Region,” said Piston President Mody Floranda.

(If they do not allow the operators to renew franchises, then there will be a massive transport crisis not only in Metro Manila.)

Last week, Piston and other transport groups filed a petition before the SC seeking to stop the enforcement of the program.  

Meanwhile, transport group Transmission-Piston will hold a transportation strike in Davao City on Wednesday, December 27 to protest the PUVMP, with 80% of the jeepney units in Davao City expected to join the strike.

GMA Integrated News reached out to the Department of Transportation for comment, but the DOTr had yet to respond as of this posting. — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News