Accredited transport coops demand fairness from LTFRB
STILL NO PHASING OUT OF JEEPNEYS AS PROMISED
WHILE many jeepney owners have complied with the directive of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the modernization of jeepneys, there are still traditional jeepneys plying their franchised routes in Pangasinan.
Jerry Quiroz, president of the Public Utility Transport Regional President, urged the LTFRB to strictly and fairly implement the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
Quiroz said the LTFRB promised them that once the Local Public Transport Plan (LPTRP) is issued and implemented, the number of traditional jeepney units on the road will be reduced, he lamented that nothing has changed since.
“Hindi po nasunod ang LPTRP sabi nila magmodernize kayo and we will reduce the number of units on the road. We modernized, hindi po na-rationalize ang route. Everybody is doing their business”, said Quiroz.
LTFRB Region I Regional Director Atty. Anabelle Marzan Nullar explained that the agency is following set protocols, timelines, and processes.
Nullar, however, admitted that the head office has not the green light to do so to start phasing out the old traditional jeepneys.
“We need a humane transition to the PUVMP. This is the reason why as of this moment, hindi pa fully implemented ang phasing out and in effect yung kabuuan ng modernization”, said Nullar.
Nullar said, there are only 23 transport cooperatives that registered but only 7.89-percent of these transport service cooperative members only have modernized jeeps.
She cited the Lingayen-Dagupan route where there are only 41 modernized jeepney units plying the road.
Nullar further added that as per LTFRB guidelines, the consolidation and/or formation of a cooperative does not automatically grant them units of modernized jeeps.
A registered transport cooperative still needs to complete the documentation, its application and the needed confirmation from the unit supplier and Land Bank for the loan.
One unit of a modernized jeep on average costs P2 million. (Ahikam Pasion)
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