Drivers, operators fear traditional jeepney phaseout | The Final Word

Summary

The Philippine Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has mandated a modernization program for jeepneys, with old models' franchises valid only until June 30. Operators must join a transport cooperative or form their own to manage modern jeepneys, which are unaffordable for many at over 2 million pesos. A franchise extension until December 31, 2023, is offered, but operators are urging the government to support local manufacturing to make modern jeepneys more accessible, aiming to comply with regulations while providing for their families.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a directive affecting traditional jeepney operations in the Philippines.
• 🗓️ Old jeepneys' franchise validity is extended only until June 30 for those not participating in the government's modernization program.
• 🚗 Jeepney operators must join a transport cooperative or form their own to manage modern jeepneys they will acquire as part of the modernization program.
• 📉 For operators like Victor Arellano, there is no existing cooperative among jeepney operators on their route.
• 📅 By October 31, the franchise of traditional jeepneys will be further extended until December 31, 2023.
• 🚫 Traditional jeepneys will no longer be allowed to operate after the end of 2023.
• 💵 The cost of a modern jeepney, which is over 2 million pesos, is a significant financial burden for many operators.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Operators like Arellano struggle to afford modern jeepneys and are still recovering from the costs of purchasing second-hand jeepneys.
• 🔄 The jeepney operators' group is urging the government to find a local manufacturer that can provide a modern version of the traditional jeepney at a more affordable price.
• 🏭 The group acknowledges the need to comply with the modernization rules, with the ultimate goal of providing a decent life for their families.
• 📺 The report is from CNN Philippines, highlighting the challenges faced by jeepney operators in the country.

Q & A

What is the deadline for the validity of old Jeeps according to the LTFRB directive?

The validity of old Jeeps is only up to June 30, as per the latest directive of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

What is required of Jeepney operators if they fail to participate in the government's modernization program?

If operators fail to participate in the modernization program, they need to join a transport Cooperative or form their own to manage the modern jeepneys they will acquire.

What is the situation with Victor Arellano regarding the transport Cooperative?

There is no existing Cooperative among the jeepney operators playing their route, as mentioned in the case of Victor Arellano.

What is the extension date for the franchise of traditional jeepneys if operators do not join the modernization program by October 31?

The franchise of their traditional jeepneys will be extended up to December 31, 2023.

Why is it difficult for operators like Victor Arellano to afford a modern jeepney?

It is difficult for operators like Victor Arellano to afford a modern jeepney because it costs over 2 million pesos, which is significantly more than the 75,000 pesos he spent on a second-hand jeepney two years ago.

What is the financial situation of Victor Arellano regarding his jeepney investment?

Victor Arellano has not yet recovered the 75,000 pesos he spent to buy a second-hand jeepney and is still struggling to meet the needs of his family.

What is the government's POV modernization program?

The POV modernization program is a government initiative aimed at modernizing public transport vehicles, such as jeepneys, to improve safety and efficiency.

What is the group's suggestion to the government regarding the high cost of modern jeepneys?

The group is calling on the government to find ways to have a local manufacturer that can give the traditional jeepney a modern twist at a more affordable price.

What is the ultimate goal of the jeepney operators in complying with the modernization rules?

The ultimate goal of the jeepney operators in complying with the modernization rules is to have a means to provide their families a decent life.

What is the current status of traditional jeepneys in terms of operation after December 31, 2023?

After December 31, 2023, the so-called king of Philippine roads, traditional jeepneys, will no longer be allowed to ply their routes if they have not joined the modernization program.

How does the jeepney operators' group view the compliance with the modernization rules?

The group acknowledges that there's nothing wrong in trying to comply with the rules, as it is part of their effort to improve their livelihood and provide for their families.