'To operate on their routes, PUVs must consolidate by April 30'

By Nimfa Estrellado The Lucban Genesis Transport minibus travels back and forth between Lucena Grand Terminal and Lucban, Quezon Province, u...

By Nimfa Estrellado

The Lucban Genesis Transport minibus travels back and forth between Lucena Grand Terminal and Lucban, Quezon Province, under the umbrella of the program. (File Photo)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) emphasizes that traditional jeepney operators must apply for consolidation by the April 30 extended deadline under its Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

"After April 30th, only consolidated operators with modern vehicles will be allowed to run. Unconsolidated operators will no longer have permission," lawyer Angelo Quinto of the LTFRB told Philipine Information Agency Head Lito Giron on Wednesday during the Kapihan sa PIA Quezon inquiry into the implementation of the PUVMP.



"Individual franchises are the purpose of consolidation; they need to group themselves into associations, either groups of cooperatives or groups of corporations, in order to comply with the program, to file for consolidation, and to be able to continue operating beyond the deadline," Quinto explained.

While no official confirmation exists regarding the fate of non-compliant operators, consolidation is the key to ensuring their continued operation in the future. Additionally, Quinto emphasized the importance of unity among individual franchises to effectively navigate the requirements of the modernization program.

"The government has not set a specific phase-out date for traditional jeepneys. However, it has allocated funds to assist operators in transitioning to modern, eco-friendly vehicles that may incorporate traditional jeepney design elements. The choice of vehicle design depends on cooperative preference and compliance with government guidelines.' Quinto said.

Despite having few resources, they make the most of them by working with citizens to explain the program and spread the word about the modernization program. Atty. Quinto also mentioned that the government is working closely with operators to ensure a smooth and successful transition process.

In the Calabarzon region, 26,000 PUJs and 79% of UVs have consolidated. In Quezon Province, 82 PUJs and 78% of UV Express units have consolidated. Atty. Quinto said, "It may be high, but our goal is 100 percent and that all pujs will be consolidated."

On the recommendation of Secretary of Transportation Jaime Bautista, President Marcos extended the consolidation deadline for PUVs to April 30 from the original Jan. 31 date, stating that it is time to modernize our transportation business; we have been left behind by our Asian neighbors.