Jeepney operators, drivers protest plan to phase out old jeeps

Jeepney operators and drivers on Monday held a protest outside the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) in Ortigas against the plan to phase out public utility jeeps that have been used 15 years and more.

 

A report by Maki Pulido on GMA News TV's Balitanghali said the protest of the "No To Jeepney Phase Out" coalition started in Eliptical Road in Quezon City. The jeepney convoy headed to the Land Transportation Office in East Avenue before proceeding to the DOTC headquarters.  

 

Personnel from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) joined the caravan to make sure the protest will not disturb traffic.

 

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board's (LTFRB) chairman Winston Ginez said a few weeks ago the agency will gradually phase out old public utility jeepneys. 

 

He added that the LTFRB has yet to finalize how the phaseout will be carried out after consulting the stakeholders.

 

However, Pagkakaisa ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide president George San Mateo said that jeepney operators and drivers want the plan abolished. He explained that the real measurement of road worthiness and efficiency is not based on the age of the vehicle but its current state.

 

If the government plans to phase out old jeepneys, around 600,000 drivers will lose their job and 250,000 operators will also lose their business. —Trisha Macas/ALG, GMA News