1,767 jeepney routes nationwide unconsolidated —LTFRB

A total of 1,767 routes across the country have no consolidated public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers and operators, data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) showed. 

According to Ian Cruz’s Friday report on “24 Oras,” Bicol has the highest number of routes with no consolidated PUJs at 451.  It was followed by Metro Manila with 320. 

“I assure you like NCR, ito po ang short distance routes lang po,” said LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III. 

“Marami po doon short distance routes from A to B, pero may A to C na dumaraan sa A to B. May mga bus may mga jeep, may mga UV kaya po napupunuan po yun,” he said. 

(A lot of it are short-distance routes from A to B but there are also jeepneys plying routes from A to C that will pass by A to B. There will be jeeps, buses, and UV to cover them.)

Jeepney drivers and operators are required to consolidate under the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). 

Starting February 1, the LTFRB will consider unconsolidated PUVs as “colorum” following the expiry of its December 25 memorandum allowing individual operators in routes without a consolidated transport service entity (TSE) to operate until January 31.

However, in case of public transportation shortage, the LTFRB said they will be offering free rides to passengers.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and its regional heads are set to meet on Monday, January 22, to prepare for the apprehension of unconsolidated PUJs and unregistered vehicles. 

“May criminal liability up to 5 years imprisonment plus up to P3 million peso fine criminal po yan, may imprisonment ang colorum, dati wala eh,” said LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza. 

“That’s why we’re coordinating with all bus companies rin para just in case meron tayong nakaabang,” Mendoza said. 

The PUVMP aims to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution and replace units that were not deemed roadworthy under the standards of the Land Transportation Office.

The consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations is the initial stage of the PUVMP. This aims to pass the burden of acquiring modernized units from operators to the transport entity.

Meanwhile, the LTO said it may likewise apprehend “habal-habal” or illegally operating motorcycle taxis. —Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News