The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has recently released new guidelines that will come into effect after the December 31, 2023 deadline for traditional jeepney operators to comply with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and consolidate into cooperatives.
According to Memorandum Circular 2023-052, in routes where jeepneys have not yet consolidated, operators will be allowed to continue plying their routes until the end of January 2024 to ensure uninterrupted public transportation. Joel Bolano, the LTFRB’s technical division chief, explained that these operators will be issued a special permit to continue operating their respective routes while awaiting consolidation.
By December 31, 2023, the LTFRB aims to identify the transport units that have not yet consolidated. LTFRB board member Mercy Paras-Leynes expressed confidence that there will not be a transportation crisis by January 2024, as the board is working closely with local government units (LGUs) responsible for routes where jeepneys have not consolidated. This collaboration aims to address any potential issues and take appropriate action.
To prevent unnecessary disruptions, Leynes emphasized the importance of coordination with other enforcement agencies to avoid “flagging down” operators who have not yet consolidated. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any inconvenience to commuters.
Zona Russet Tamayo, LTFRB National Capital Region (NCR) regional director, explained that as consolidation is still ongoing until December 31, 2023, they cannot provide specific data on the number of jeepneys that have already consolidated. However, she shared that in the NCR, only 26 percent of jeepneys had consolidated by December 2023. Overall, 35 percent of jeepneys nationwide have successfully undergone consolidation.
Tamayo clarified that the majority of non-consolidated jeepneys are found in short routes where alternative modes of transportation are available for short distances. Therefore, commuters in these areas will still have transportation options.
To support jeepney drivers and operators during the consolidation process, the LTFRB has extended leniency by reducing documentary requirements and simplifying processing. The aim of the PUVMP is to provide convenience to the commuting public by streamlining the industry sector through consolidation.
In conclusion, the LTFRB has issued additional guidelines to ensure a smooth transition for traditional jeepney operators under the PUVMP. By allowing operators in non-consolidated routes to continue plying until January 2024, the LTFRB aims to avoid any disruption to public transportation. Collaboration with LGUs and other enforcement agencies will help address any challenges that may arise during the consolidation process. The LTFRB’s leniency in reducing requirements and simplifying processing aims to support jeepney drivers and operators while implementing the PUVMP for the benefit of the commuting public.
Source: The Manila Times
