Special permits to be issued in routes without consolidated jeepneys —LTFRB

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it would issue special permits to allow authorized public utility vehicles (PUVs) to ply in routes without consolidated jeepneys, according to a "24 Oras" report by Oscar Oida.

"’Pag talagang walang dumadaan, we issue what  we call special permits... And normally we get the jeeps from the neighboring routes kung saan katabi nung walang nag-consolidate," said LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz. 

(If there are no jeepneys available in the route, we issue what we call special permits... And normally we get the jeeps from the neighboring routes near those where there are no consolidated jeepneys.)

More than a week since the consolidation deadline lapsed under the government's Public Transport Modernization Program, both jeepney drivers and commuters said they continue to face challenges on the road 

Shing Viñas has been waiting to get a ride along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. She said the waiting time was longer the past few days because of fewer jeepneys.

"Dati po kasi parang mas mabilis po makasakay kasi mas marami pong pumapasadang jeepney," she said. “Ngayon po kasi  umaabot na ng 8:30  kapag nakakasakay ako, kaya mahirap." 

(It’s easier to get a ride before because there are more jeepneys available…But now it took me until 8:30 just to get a ride. So it’s more difficult this time.)

Meanwhile, jeepney driver Jordan Conos, who traverses the Quezon City Hall to San Mateo route, laments that he has to compete now with modern jeepneys to get passengers. 

"Meron na kasing byaheng Montalban dito na diretso. Yung galing Cubao na byahe papuntang Montalban, doon na po sumasakay, yung mga bagong unit ngayon," he said. 

(There is already a direct route going to Montalban. So many passengers are now hopping on modern units from Cubao to Montalban.) 

LTFRB said that 81% or more than 160,000 jeepneys have consolidated their franchises. It said the number is enough to serve commuters in the country.

Meanwhile, the agency said it has started issuing show-cause orders to those who did not consolidate to explain their failure to comply with the government's deadline. Affected drivers and operators will be given five days to respond. 

Authorities might also start flagging down "colorum" vehicles by the third or fourth week of May. 

“Those kolorum na hindi ho nag-consolidate, hindi pa ho totally hinuhuli. Pinapaalalahanan na lang muna. Hangga't maari ay huwag na bumiyahe dahil mabigat po ang penalty kapag nahuli ka po na walang prangkisa: one year suspension po sa driver, P50,000 yung penalty sa sasakyan na na-impound," said Guadiz. 

(Those colorum vehicles that did not consolidate, we are not totally flagging them. We are just reminding them for now. But as much as possible, please do not operate because of the heavy fines for those without franchises: the driver might face a one-year suspension, and a P50,000 penalty for the vehicles that were impounded.) 

"Ang nasa Public Service Act, bagamat sila ay colorum na under the law may proseso pa po 'yan bago mo sila totally maideclare na kolorum," he dded.

(Under the Public Service Act, there's a process for declaring them colorum.

However, the LTFRB reiterated that traditional jeepneys are still allowed to operate for up to three years as long as they are still roadworthy. 

Started in 2017, the modernization program aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution. It also aims to replace units that are not deemed roadworthy by the Land Transportation Office's standards.—Vince Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News