PUV modernization and jeepney phaseout

A lawmaker is calling on the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and other government financial institutions to simplify and streamline the overwhelming loan requirements for transport cooperatives and corporations to purchase modern jeepneys. 

Rep. Wilbert T. Lee (AGRI Party-list) laments the documents and papers required by government banks to provide loans or assistance to transport cooperatives.

“Let us liberalize and simplify these requirements. Marami na ngang na-comply na requirements na hiningi ang LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) at LTO (Land Transportation Office), kilo-kilometro pa rin ang dami ng hinihingi ng Land Bank o DBP na mahirap kumpletuhin," he says during the 2024 budget plenary deliberations. 

Steve Ranjo, secretary general of transport group PISTON, reminds President Bongbong Marcos Jr. of his campaign promise to allow jeepneys that are still "roadworthy."

"Kaya lang itong nakaraang pangyayari, bakit may deadline? Bakit kailangan mag-consolidate at kapag hindi nag-consolidate, babawiin daw ng gobyerno ang mga prangkisa. Nasaan ngayon ang pangako niya (Pangulong Marcos)?" Ranjo says over dzBBB.

Officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board says weeklong jeepney strike is due to a "fear of change" among transport workers.

At a press briefing, Teofilo Guadiz III, chair of the board, says there is nothing to fear about modernization, since there are processes for loans for the purchase of new compliant vehicles.

PISTON gives update on the weeklong jeepney strike as of Monday, 10:00 a.m. It says the following shows the percentage of jeepneys and UV express that did not ply their routes:

• Baclaran Metrobank route: 90%
• E Rodriguez (Cubao-Quiapo, Kalaw-Project 2-3: 99.9%
• Novaliches-Blumentritt: 80%
• Pasay: 90%
• Navotas to Divisoria, Recto, Monumento, Malabon: 100%
• Pateros-Pasig: 100%
• Zapote-Paliparan: 100%
• Palapala-Imus: 70%
• Los Baños-Calamba: 95%
• Calamba: 80%
• Cabuyao: 95%
• Antipolo at Junction Crossing: 90%
• Cogeo-Cubao: 80%

PISTON adds that almost no jeepney or UV are on the road in Sta. Rosa, Sta. Cruz and Calamba, Laguna and Siniloan, Quezon.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority suspends the number coding scheme on March 6, the first day of the week-long transport strike against the jeepney modernization program.

The MMDA adds they will deploy 25 vehicles to ferry stranded commuters.

The Manila International Airport Authority reminds all air passengers to give ample time from the usual three hours before flight departure time to be at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, in anticipation of the week-long transportation strike this week.

MIAA points out that the strike may result in limited public transportation to and from NAIA terminals.

Meanwhile, local airline companies and airline service provides have prepared contingency measures to ensued minimal to no work interruption this week, it adds.

Despite appeals from senators not to impose a deadline on the consolidation of jeepney operators, Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista says there is a need to impose one.

"Kung hindi tayo maglalagay ng deadline eh walang susunod," he says. — Xave Gregorio

LTFRB Board Member Riza Marie Paches says 63.5% of public utility jeepneys and UV Express have consolidated, but she admits they have not modernized. — Xave Gregorio

Senate panels hold hearing on the PUV modernization program and jeepney phaseout.

This is happening a day after the LTFRB pushed the deadline to year-end for individual operators to consolidate, but still amid the looming threat of a week-long transport strike. — Xave Gregorio

Follow the latest updates on PUV modernization and jeepney phaseout.

Photo courtesy of The STAR/Walter Bollozos