LTFRB tackles jeepney phaseout petition today

MANILA, Philippines — A transport group yesterday opposed the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will hold today its last deliberation on a petition to phase out traditional jeepneys with electric vehicles.

In a dzBB interview, Manibela national president Mar Valbuena said jeepney drivers and operators have to grapple with soaring fuel prices and the costs of organizing themselves into cooperatives as part of the industry consolidation guidelines for the PUV modernization program.

They have to pay a monthly amortization of nearly P500,000 for the operation of 10 to 15 modern jeepneys, which cost up to P2.7 million each, according to Valbuena.

“In the end, these expenses will also be shouldered by passengers because of the resulting fare increase,” he said.

Valbuena slammed the LTFRB for warning drivers that they would not be allowed to ply their routes if they fail to meet the deadline for franchise application under the program.

The LTFRB earlier announced that the validity of the provisional authority or franchise for traditional jeepneys would lapse by April in Metro Manila and end-March nationwide.

“Our members are traumatized because of the announcement that they would only be allowed to operate until March or April,” Valbuena said.

While state-run Land Bank of the Philippines offers loans for the purchase of the modern jeepneys while the LTFRB provides a P160,000 subsidy to borrowers,  the overall cost remains too high for jeepney drivers due to shorter routes and a limited amount of passengers commuting because of remote work, Valbuena noted.

The group proposed modernizing the jeepney fleet in longer routes with more passengers so that drivers can have more income, and retaining the traditional jeepney instead of the “modern” mini bus look.

“We have larger jeepneys we call patok, which cost P1.2 to P1.4 million if air-conditioned. These are more durable and retain the jeepney’s iconic look,” Valbuena said.

Transport groups are calling on the LTFRB and Department of Transportation to extend the deadline for PUV franchise holders to consolidate.

LTFRB chief Teofilo Guadiz III has stood firm on the schedule and the strict guidelines for modern jeepneys to eventually phase out the traditional ones.

The LTFRB board will meet today for its final deliberation ahead of the deadline for the full implementation of the PUV modernization program.