THERE will be no extension of franchise consolidation under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP)— as announced by President Bongbong Marcos Jr. during a Townhall Meeting in San Juan City on Wednesday.
The extension of franchise consolidation was previously approved in January of this year to allow operators to consolidate.
It was Marcos who approved Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista’s recommendation in January to provide an additional three months or until April 30, 2024, for the consolidation of public vehicles.
Roberto ‘Ka Obet’ Martin of Pasang Masda had earlier requested to conclude the consolidation process by the end of April.
“Our jeepney sector is almost 86%, dear President, have already consolidated nationwide. We convey to you, Honorable President, to conclude it this April,” said Roberto ‘Ka Obet’ Martin, National President, Pasang Masda.
According to the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 190,000 units of public utility vehicles, consisting of UV Express, PUJs, mini-buses, and buses, have availed of consolidation.
The government is implementing the PUVMP to address worsening problems and needs in the transportation sector in the country.
“And once we implement that, even just the consolidation, the operations of our jeepneys will be efficient because there will be proper fleet management, and a proper dispatch system, and they will follow the correct standards to ensure the safety and comfort of our passengers,” said Sec. Jaime Bautista, DOTr.
