Crackdown on colorum jeepneys starts May 1

MANILA, Philippines — With the three-month extension given by President Marcos for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUVs) ending on April 30, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said yesterday that the crackdown on colorum jeepneys would start on May 1.

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz said at least 79 percent of PUVs nationwide have complied with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) of the government.

“We are in the final stage of the program’s phase one, meaning to say, you are only given until April 30 to consolidate.  Transport operators need to form a corporation or a cooperative to ply a certain route,” Guadiz told the Kapihan sa Manila Bay.

The initial deadline for consolidation of PUVs was Dec. 30, 2023.

“It was extended by President Marcos until April 30. Unless it is extended again by the President, there will be no more extension and if you do not consolidate, you cannot operate,” Guadiz pointed out.

According to Guadiz, the government was able to achieve its consolidation target of at least 70 percent.

“We don’t expect all drivers to consolidate to make it viable, but then you need to increase the number of trips. So at 79 percent compliance, we can start the PUV modernization program. There will be a social program for those who will be displaced,” he said.

Guadiz said some drivers opted not to join the PUVMP because of their age while others do not want the program.

He said jeepney operators who fail to join the consolidation process would lose their franchise.

“In layman’s terms, they are colorum by May 1. Definitely, if you are a colorum, either your unit will be impounded or your license will be confiscated and the penalty is one year suspension for the driver,” Guadiz explained.

Transport groups Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide and Manibela have expressed opposition to the PUVMP.

Motorcycle taxi players now 7

Meanwhile, the LTFRB confirmed yesterday that there are now seven motorcycle taxi players with the inclusion of four more companies.

“There were only three (players) when I came in as chairman of the LTFRB. So yes, we have increased the number to four more and these are given 2,000 slots. This is only up to May,” Guadiz said.

The motorcycle taxi pilot study will end on May 31.

“By that time, we will submit our report  to Congress since they authorized us to make the pilot study,” Guadiz said.

According to Guadiz, among the options of the legislature is to stop the pilot study or continue it by crafting a law.

“End of the pilot study means the end of the motorcycle taxis,” he noted.

Based on the LTFRB study, a motorcycle rider earns a gross income of P40,000 a month.