CEBU CITY -- Gearing up for the total phase out of traditional jeepneys, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday, March 29, launched more than a hundred of modernized jeepneys and premium taxis in Mandaue City.
A total of 117 modernized jeepneys and 14 premium taxis were unveiled in what was the biggest single-day launch held by LTFRB.
LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra said the modern jeepneys were granted with a seven-year validity franchise instead of the current franchise which is only valid for five years.
Delgra said traditional jeepneys will be phased out by April 1.
With this, traditional jeeps were only granted provisional authority to operate for up to six months.
Delgra said the granting of provisional authority to operate will depend on the condition of the unit and if it passes the evaluation of LTFRB.
Phasing out traditional jeepneys will have minimal effect because the new transport vehicles will be offered to the operators and drivers through loans, possibly through their cooperatives, said Delgra.
Delgra encouraged operators of traditional jeepneys to avail of the government’s modernization program as the loan for the new units will be payable in five to seven years.
The LTFRB revealed that a total of 1,030 modern jeepneys are already plying in Metro Cebu while at least 1,000 units of traditional jeepneys are still being used.