PISTON: DOTr using Covid19 pandemic to push for jeepney modernization.

Transport group PISTON has announced a protest to be staged on Monday, June 1, against the COVID-19 lockdown and what they see as moves towards jeepney modernization. 

PISTON president George San Mateo called on member drivers and operators to join the "Bumusina para sa balik pasada" protest and blow their horns at 10 a.m. to call on the government to allow all Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) to operate again, especially in places under General Community Quarantine (GCQ). 

San Mateo said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is using the COVID-19 pandemic to push for jeepney modernization and phase out traditional jeepneys. 

He also said more than 500,000 jeepney drivers and operators' livelihoods were affected by the two-month lockdown. He added that other small businesses such as vulcanising shops and small eateries were also affected.

San Mateo also questioned Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) public transportation guidelines for GCQ that allow only new PUJs to operate and prohibit old jeepneys because of questionable road worthiness. 

He insisted that all PUJs are roadworthy because they have a legal franchise and passed LTO inspection and emission testing.