DOTr chief: April 30 will be the last extension for PUV consolidation

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 25) — April 30 will be the last and final extension given to drivers and operators to consolidate as required under the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Thursday.

“I think this will be the last and final extension. This is the eighth time that we are extending the deadline,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista told CNN Philippines’ The Source.

Following a recommendation made by Bautista, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended the franchise consolidation for another three months. 

The transportation chief said he made the recommendation after talking to some groups who were not able to meet the Dec. 31 deadline, but are willing to comply with the consolidation requirement.

Bautista said the current nationwide consolidation rate at 76% is already enough. He noted that the study for the PUV modernization program did not even require 100% because of duplication of franchises in some routes.

With the additional three months to the consolidation deadline, Bautista told reporters in a press conference on Thursday: “Tingin ko [I think] with this extension, we can increase it to 85%. With 85%, I’m very sure this will be a very successful program.”

Officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board backed Bautista’s figures and said it also projected up to 10% increase in nationwide consolidation rates.

Bautista said the DOTr will be speaking to a group of around 500 unconsolidated drivers and operators from the southern part of Metro Manila on Thursday. He said they will be expressing their willingness to comply with the consolidation requirement.

The DOTr official also said he gave the go signal to Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez for the city government to be the franchise holder and finance the acquisition of modern vehicles.

There is currently an issue in the city wherein over 70% did not consolidate because stakeholders want to keep their individual franchises and operate on their own. This is because of infighting and politics among corporations that cause some members to be kicked out.

After the franchise consolidation, the next phase of the PUV modernization is route rationalization.

Bautista said authorities are already working on this, which may take two to three years to complete.

He also said the government is ready to assist corporations, cooperatives, and manufacturers when it comes to the acquisition of the modern jeepney units.

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