Unconsolidated jeepneys still using over 300 NCR routes —LTFRB, LTO

There are still unconsolidated jeepneys on more than 300 routes in Metro Manila, a list released by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) shows.

Among these routes are Divisoria to Manila, Quezon City to Manila and EDSA-bound trips to Quezon City, Pasig, Makati and Parañaque.

According to a 24 Oras report by Joseph Morong on Friday, the Land Transportation Office has been gearing up to apprehend unconsolidated traditional jeepneys starting February 1, following the expiration of traditional jeepney franchises on January 31.

Impounding areas in Metro Manila, Region 3 and Region 4A have also been prepared to receive confiscated units.

According to data released by LTO and LTFRB, more than 40,000 units were given franchises to operate in Metro Manila but only 22,000 were registered, which meant that over 20,000 colorum jeepneys may be operating in Metro Manila.

“Either hindi nila pinapatakbo or either pinapatakbo pero colorum naman,” said LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza.

The LTFRB is also considering the possibility that most unregistered vehicles have stopped operating and that only around 600 are still plying routes.

They also added that they do not worry about the lack of PUVs, as they will be releasing free rides along unconsolidated routes.

“Maliliit na routes [lang] yun. These are secondary routes na dinadaanan naman ng mga ibang bus,” said LTFRB chairman Attorney Teofilo Guadiz III.

Unconsolidated units may still join existing corporations or cooperatives, while traditional jeepneys that opt out may still become private jeepneys.

“Kailangan niyong idrop yung unit sa prangkisa. Kung wala ka nang prangkisa kasi nakanselahan na, kailangang magrehistro as a private vehicle. Hindi na niya kailangan mag-modernize? Hindi na. Kailangan [lang] pumasa ng motor vehicle inspection,” said Mendoza. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News