THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI clarified that the 6,400 public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators in Davao City are excluded from the nationwide Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
In an interview on Jan. 17, Engr. Ronnel Panigon, LTFRB XI spokesperson and modernization head, said PUJs could still continue their operations until such time the Davao Public Transport Modernization Program (DPTMP) is implemented.
“Walay labot sa deadline ang (PUJ) operators sa Jan. 31 for consolidation. Ang operation nila is magpadayon gihapon until such time na ma-implement na ang DPTMP na gina-implement sa City Government of Davao and the Department of Transportation,” Panigon said.
Panigon said operations of jeepneys in Davao City will continue under provisional authority as two modernization programs are in effect: the DPTMP within Davao City and the PUVMP, which is outside the city.
He said consolidation is crucial to organize the transportation sector and stop competition among different operators.
For the PUVMP, the agency’s Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 states that a “PUV operating outside of its approved route or area without a prior permit from the Board or outside the exceptions provided under existing memorandum circulars or commonly known as out of line operations.”
