THERE would be enough public utility jeepneys to serve commuters in Metro Manila, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said amid protests against the modernization program.

LTFRB-NCR regional director Zona Russet Tamayo said 97.18% of the registered units of public utility jeeps in Metro Manila had consolidated in 2023.

Tamayo said short-distance routes in the National Capital Region are ones that have not consolidated, but those short distances can be covered by longer routes. 

She said the LTFRB is prepared in case there are problems meeting demand.

“Right now, as mentioned po ng ating chair sa MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), we have coordinated po with MMDA as well as with different LGUs in case that there would be a need. But right now, we’ve mapped out for NCR and we have already determined that there will be sufficient supply,” Tamayo said at a Palace press briefing on Monday.

The government is implementing a PUV modernization program that seeks to replace traditional jeepneys with modern jeepneys or minibuses that are environment-friendly. 

But transport groups and operators want more time to transition to these new vehicles.

Public utility vehicle (PUV) operators on routes without a consolidated transport service entity (TSE) have been allowed to operate until January 31, 2024. 

Special permits to operate on routes without a consolidated TSE may also be issued to other consolidated TSEs, valid for three months after January 31, 2024. 

The consolidation deadline was December 31, 2023.

Tamayo said they will be assessing whether routes have attained 60% consolidation, have less than 60%, or have no consolidation at all.

“This we’re doing for January. And then, once po na nakita natin at mayroon na pong ilalabas na datos po ang LTFRB for that on the routes pertaining to the percentage of consolidation, then we’d move to the next stage, which is iyon hong hindi nag-consolidate will no longer be allowed to run the routes, except po if, as we see, as we analyze po, there might be a need,” she said.