A modern jeepney (File photo)
MANILA – There are now a total of 95,243 consolidated franchises of public utility vehicle (PUV) operators under the government’s PUV modernization program (PUVMP), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Wednesday.
“Ang franchise consolidation ay isang mahalagang component ng PUVMP at kasunod nito ang modernization ng PUV units (Franchise consolidation is an important component of the PUVMP and what follows is the modernization of PUV units),” the LTFRB said in a Facebook post.
The number was based on data gathered as of April 30.
Out of the total, consolidated franchises of operators of public utility jeeps total 62,472, followed by public utility buses with 22,293, UV Express with 10,159, and minibuses with 10,159 franchises.
Under LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2019-013, PUV operators with units plying rationalized or approved routes are encouraged to consolidate into a “single legal identity” or a consolidated franchise.
Earlier, LTFRB chief Martin Delgra III said PUV operators who did not meet the March 31 deadline for filing applications of consolidation will not be forced to phase out and instead be given time to consolidate within the year. (PNA)
