The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said there won’t be a lack of rides in Metro Manila despite fewer franchises consolidating in the area.
“In my view, from my own perspective, after a thorough study, 60 percent [consolidation rate in Metro Manila] is more than enough,” Teofilo Guadiz III, LTFRB chairperson said.
“You have other modalities here. You have a bus, you have a train, you have a taxi, you have a tricycle. There are other modes of transportation that can cover these public utility jeepneys that would now leave the streets,” he added.
Citing a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) in 2016 , Guadiz said there is an oversupply of jeepneys on the road.
“We have an oversupply of public utility jeeps and we really need to reduce the number. If we are to make this jeepney modernization program as a success and as a viable alternative. So, hindi ko tayo kakapusin,” he said.
As of April 23, Guadiz said there are 150,179 units nationwide that have already joined cooperatives, representing about 78.33 percent of the entire national percentage.
“We are anticipating an increase to between 80 percent and about 82 percent,” he said.
Guadiz clarified that the government’s PUVMP is not a “jeepney phaseout.”
“The truth is, we just ask them to form a cooperative or a corporation. The modernization comes in the third or fourth year. And the modernization doesn’t take effect instantaneously ng sabay-sabay. We will only require one or two per year,” he said.
“Well, if your motor vehicles are still roadworthy, then we will not require you initially,” he added.
But in the third year, Guadiz said the government will require cooperatives to at least deploy vehicles that will comply with the current designs under the modernization program.
Guadiz said PUVs that failed to join the consolidation would be considered color and required to explain within the next 15 days on why they did not join the program.
“Under the law, we are required to give due process. … The timeline is 15 days to finish everything,” he added.
Guadiz said one-year driver’s license suspension for those caught driving a colorum vehicle.
Additionally, the vehicle will be impounded, and a penalty fee of P50,000 will be imposed on the operator.