Transport group set to appeal for still unconsolidated operators
PBBM FINAL DEADLINE: APRIL 30
WITH President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s final extension for jeepney operators to consolidate on April 30 fast approaching, most drivers and operators in Pangasinan have nothing to worry about… save for 170 jeepney owners who are still unable to to consolidate.
Bernard Tuliao, president of the One Pangasinan Transport Federation (OPTF), a coalition of transport groups in the province, said out of 3,400 jeepney owners, in the province, 95 percent, or 3,230 have already consolidated since December 31, 2023.
On the recommendation of the DOTr, President Marcos Jr. extended the consolidation period to April 30 and warned that failure to consolidate will result in the non-renewal of their franchises.
Tuliao said the remaining 170 owners are unable to consolidate due to a minimum requirement set by the LTFRB in forming a cooperative: a minimum of 15 jeepneys owners are required to form a cooperative for a certain route.
This bears bad news because it can only mean that certain routes will not be serviced after April 30.
Tuliao cited the route Mangin-Dagupan City Proper serviced by only 10 jeepneys, and therefore, cannot form a cooperative.
“Gustong-gusto nilang mag-consolidate, pero sabi ng LTFRB bawal yung ganon kasi minimum dapat kinse”, he said.
To address the problem similar to Mangin jeepney owners and the cases of 93% of operatives have not upgraded to modern units, Tuliao is set to meet with the LTFRB Regional Office to appeal their cases.
Latest data gathered by The PUNCH, showed that the OPTF has 215 cooperatives consolidated and registered, but only 7 percent, or 15 cooperatives have upgraded to modernized PUVs.
OPTF also urges the LTFRB to extend payment terms of modernized PUVs to 10 years, instead of seven years while searching for other potential modernized PUV providers from Sarao and Francisco Motors, including updates for units made in Korea, per former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson. (Ahikam Pasion)
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