LTFRB eyes phasing out 15-year-old PUJs

CEBU, Philippines - The plan to phase out public utility jeepneys that are over 15 years old is now under study, said Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Regional Director Ahmed Quizon.

The news came in the heels of the decision of LTFRB to phase out buses and minibuses that are above 13 years old. The decision took effect nationwide last September.

Julieto Flores, spokesperson of the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association, said several vehicles here have been affected by the policy.

As regards the plan on the PUJs, Ryan Benjamin Yu, chairman of the Cebu Integrated Transport Service Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CITRASCO), said they will oppose the move if it will not be implemented gradually.

He said more than 80 percent of the jeepneys in Cebu will be affected once the policy will take effect. There are over 10,000 jeepneys in Cebu.

"Dunay mga istorya nga wagtangon ang mga jeepneys nga sobra na 15 ka tuig. Apan dili pa mi maka-oppose karon kay wala pa mi makadawat og memorandum sa LTFRB (There are talks about the phase out of jeepneys above 15 years old but we cannot oppose yet formally unless there is a memorandum from LTFRB)," Yu said.

He said the Cebu Confederation of Transport Operators and Drivers Association, Inc. (CCTODAI) of which is also chairman is yet to discuss the matter. 

LTFRB Resolution 2013-01 issued on January 11, 2013 mandated the strict observance of a13-year age limit of buses and minibuses nationwide even on units with roadworthiness and Motor Vehicle Inspection Section certificate.

The resolution says that no unit shall be the subject of a new application for franchise , for extension of validity of certificate of public convenience, for substitute of unit and for increase of number of units, if said unit is more than the minimum requirement as specified by the. — (FREEMAN)