313 Metro routes still lack consolidated PUV service

MANILA, Philippines — Expect longer commuting times as jeepney units in over 300 routes in Metro Manila will be considered illegal and colorum starting Feb. 1.

Data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) showed that a total of 313 routes within the National Capital Region (NCR) do not have any consolidated transport service entity.

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz earlier said unconsolidated jeepneys will be apprehended by law enforcers as they are considered to be engaging in colorum operations.

Only 238 routes in Metro Manila have a consolidation rate of more than 60 percent, while 306 routes had less than 60 percent consolidation rate.

LTFRB-NCR regional director Zona Tamayo tried to downplay the numbers despite having a third of routes in Metro Manila not meeting the consolidation requirement.

She reasoned that these routes are considered secondary and duplicate routes and that major thoroughfares in the capital region have consolidated entities that can carry the affected passengers.

Nationwide, over 30,000 public utility jeepneys will be considered illegal and colorum as the Marcos administration said it will not extend the concluded consolidation deadline.

Still, the LTFRB added that they have contingency measures in place and are coordinating with local government units and national agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Philippine National Police.

Guadiz claimed that the public utility vehicle modernization program is a “resounding success” in Metro Manila and nationwide, with a total 76.6 percent consolidation rate throughout the country.