NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
LTFRB Assures No Jeepney Phaseout
Photo credit: LTFRB
Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III has confirmed that there will be no phaseout of traditional jeepneys in the country after the deadline for Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) franchise consolidation.
Guadiz emphasized that while the consolidation must be completed by December 31 of this year, it does not imply a ban on traditional jeepneys from plying the roads by yearend.
He clarified, "We only ask for what is called substantial compliance. This means that if you have filed and are already compliant, even if not yet finished, you are considered consolidated, and you can continue operating your route."
Addressing concerns about a transport crisis, Chair Guadiz stated, "There is no transport crisis in the country," and explained the temporary measures in place to prevent a vacuum in certain areas during the consolidation period.
He debunked claims that drivers must replace their units immediately after consolidation, urging traditional jeepney operators to maximize the given 27 months.
The LTFRB Chair clarified, "It is not true that you need to change your unit within 3, 6, or 9 months; that is completely false."
Guadiz highlighted that the transition from traditional to modern jeepney units will be gradual, with drivers having ample time to comply.
He emphasized that vehicles determined as "roadworthy" by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) can still ply the roads during the transition period.
According to Guadiz, 60 percent of PUJs in the country have already been consolidated, showing optimism that the government can successfully implement the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
He noted an increasing degree of acceptance for the program, with 70 percent of utility vehicles already consolidated as of October.
In a plea to drivers and operators, Chair Guadiz encouraged unity, stating, "Our battle cry is always 'no one left behind.' As long as we respond to the government's requirements, we will assist and accompany you in navigating through this modernization process."
He reassured the industry that the LTFRB is committed to providing ample time and support for drivers and operators to complete the consolidation process.
Guadiz emphasized that while the consolidation must be completed by December 31 of this year, it does not imply a ban on traditional jeepneys from plying the roads by yearend.
He clarified, "We only ask for what is called substantial compliance. This means that if you have filed and are already compliant, even if not yet finished, you are considered consolidated, and you can continue operating your route."
Addressing concerns about a transport crisis, Chair Guadiz stated, "There is no transport crisis in the country," and explained the temporary measures in place to prevent a vacuum in certain areas during the consolidation period.
He debunked claims that drivers must replace their units immediately after consolidation, urging traditional jeepney operators to maximize the given 27 months.
The LTFRB Chair clarified, "It is not true that you need to change your unit within 3, 6, or 9 months; that is completely false."
Guadiz highlighted that the transition from traditional to modern jeepney units will be gradual, with drivers having ample time to comply.
He emphasized that vehicles determined as "roadworthy" by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) can still ply the roads during the transition period.
According to Guadiz, 60 percent of PUJs in the country have already been consolidated, showing optimism that the government can successfully implement the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
He noted an increasing degree of acceptance for the program, with 70 percent of utility vehicles already consolidated as of October.
In a plea to drivers and operators, Chair Guadiz encouraged unity, stating, "Our battle cry is always 'no one left behind.' As long as we respond to the government's requirements, we will assist and accompany you in navigating through this modernization process."
He reassured the industry that the LTFRB is committed to providing ample time and support for drivers and operators to complete the consolidation process.
Nov 17, 2023
