MANILA, Philippines – Over 500 routes in the National Capital Region (NCR) are likely to face the loss of jeepneys and UV Express, which would cause “public transport disaster” in the metro, transport group PISTON said Monday.
In a statement sent to reporters, PISTON National President Mody Floranda expressed “concerns about the massive job losses and the disruption of public transport” that may happen after January 31, when unconsolidated public utility vehicles will no longer be allowed to operate.
“There are 395 jeepney routes and 108 UV Express routes in the capital region that have no consolidated units. Additionally, there are 337 jeepney routes and 68 UV Express routes in Metro Manila that have less than 60% consolidation,” Floranda said, citing the data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
A total of 1,767 routes nationwide still lack consolidated vehicles, according to PISTON.
According to the LTFRB, starting February 1, unconsolidated jeepneys and operators who failed to join a consolidation will no longer be allowed to operate next month.
As a result of the PUV modernization, about 140,000 drivers and 60,000 small operators may lose their jobs.
“Hindi makatuwirang ipagpilitan pa ng gobyerno ang consolidation. Nagmamadali lang silang pagkakitaan ng mga kasabwat nilang mga negosyante at korporasyon ang public transport,” Floranda said.
PISTON said the national government, particularly the LTFRB, needs to respond to mass transportation urgently, citing that it would be more prudent to just discontinue the initiative and find better ways to introduce a more forward-thinking public transportation system.
Earlier last week, the group filed a motion for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or a writ of preliminary injunction in light of the public utility vehicle modernization program.
Under the motion, the transport group said that the LTFRB “dismally failed” to address its question as to what the franchise consolidation plays in the plan to “modernize” public transportation.
However, the Department of Labor and Employment, along with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, will offer “soft support,” according to the LTFRB, to assist the DOTr in helping jeepney drivers who have not been able to consolidate during the prescribed period.
