LTFRB: Road-worthy jeepneys will still be allowed to travel beyond Dec. 31
At A Glance
- Drivers and operators of passenger jeepneys have until Dec. 31 this year to consolidate and create a cooperative or corporation for them to avail of the benefits of the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Tuesday, Nov 7.
Drivers and operators of passenger jeepneys have until Dec. 31 this year to consolidate and create a cooperative or corporation for them to avail of the benefits of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Tuesday, Nov 7.
Lawyer Robert Peig, LTFRB executive director, issued the statement amid the apparent misunderstanding wherein the Dec. 31 deadline was misinterpreted by some drivers and operators to mean that they have until the end of this year to replace their units
“The consolidation is different from the replacement of units. Based on the previous guideline we announced, the deadline for the consolidation of drivers and operators is until December 31,” said Peig.
“The re-fleeting or replacement of PUVs will not be immediately implemented. The Department of Transportation is very clear about this: traditional jeepneys which are still road-worthy will still be allowed,” he added.
Peig explained that this is part of the order of the DOTr for operators and drivers to be given enough time to replace their vehicles with modern ones.
The consolidation of transport operators and drivers into either a cooperative or corporation is part of the guideline under the PUVMP, the intention is to maximize the assistance package of the national government.
DOTr Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista earlier announced the increase in the government subsidy for availing modern PUVs, a move which is aimed at encouraging transport groups to support the government’s program.
The PUVMP is part of the Philippines’ commitment to the United Nations to cut carbon emissions and ensure an environment-friendly transportation system amid concerns of climate change.