The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday said that “roadworthy” traditional jeepneys would be allowed to ply the roads this week, following a three-month ban.
“Pinaplano po na ang pagbalik ng traditional jeepney. But we would like to emphasize na kailangan sila ay roadworthy. Mahigpit na direktiba po ito sa Department of Transportation,” LTFRB chief Martin Delgra said in a Laging Handa briefing.
Delgra said a memorandum would be issued on Tuesday or Wednesday, which would officially allow the return of traditional jeepneys.
Officials have placed traditional jeepneys at the bottom of the public transport hierarchy, along with UV Express vehicles, which were earlier allowed to operate.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque in a separate briefing announced the areas where traditional jeepneys were already allowed to resume operations: Bulacan, Pampanga, Cagayan de Oro, South Cotabato, Siquijor, Caraga, Cordillera Administrative Regions and Regions 1, 6, 8 10, 11 and 12.
Delgra said a program to provide fuel subsidies to jeepney and UV Express drivers was in the works.
“It’s already being worked out now. Hopefully it will be rolled out anytime soon para matulungan na rin po iyong mga tumatakbong mga bus, UV Express at jeepney,” he said. John Ezekiel J. Hirro