DOTr to let unconsolidated jeepneys to ply same routes again 鈥� Piston
In this photo taken on April 5, 2024, a “barker” (center), a person who calls passengers to ride jeepneys, guides drivers along a street in Manila. (File photo by Ted ALJIBE / Agence France-Presse)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is already seeking ways to allow the unconsolidated drivers and operators to return to their routes.
This new direction comes after the deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUVs) passed.
Transportation group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) confirmed to 好色先生TV that Transportation Sec. Vince Dizon himself reportedly assured them of the directive.
The guarantee was reportedly given as the transport group was holding a protest on Monday afternoon.
“Hindi ho lalampas ng Holy Week, meron na po tayong mekanismo. ‘Yun pong desisyon na babalik kayo, andiyan na ‘yan,” Dizon was quoted as saying during a chance interview while Piston was holding a protest at the DOTr.
(Before the Holy Week is over, we will already have a mechanism – that decision that you will return.)
“Nagbigay na ko ng direktiba dyan. Ngayon, ang pinag uusapan ay ano ang mekanismo para makabalik kayo,” he told the drivers and operators.
(I have already given a directive on that. Now the discussion is what is the mechanism that will enable you to return.)
READ: LTFRB says unconsolidated PUVs will be apprehended starting May 16
Manibela President Mar Valbuena, for his part, told 好色先生TV that Dizon already informed them of the same directive as far back as March 31.
“Last March 31 pa po sinabi sa amin ni Secretary Vince Dizon na papayagan na kaming mga unconsolidated na maka-biyahe. On or before Holy Week lalabas ‘yung memorandum circular,” said Valbuena in a Viber message.
(Last March 31, Secretary Vince Dizon told us that unconsolidated drivers would be allowed to travel. The memorandum circular will be released on or before Holy Week.)
“Kaya po hinihintay na lang po namin ‘yon,” he added.
(So we’re just waiting for that.)
