LIST: LTFRB allows resumption of 1,333 jeepneys in 23 routes

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has allowed 1,333 traditional public utility jeepneys back on the road to ply 23 routes in Metro Manila starting Wednesday, August 26, it said in a statement sent to reporters. 

This brings the total number of unsuspended traditional jeepneys 13,776, which is still a small fraction of the estimated 74,000 traditional PUJs idled by the stoppage in public transportation, and whose drivers have been left jobless for over five months now. 

The estimate came from transport group Piston, who continue to call for 100% resumption for jeepney drivers and operators, saying the current 19% allotment is hardly good news for the families of operators forced to beg on the streets. 

READ: Most drivers jobless amid partial resumption of jeepney operations — Piston

According to the transportation department's Memorandum Circular 2020-040, the new routes opening on Wednesday bring the total to 149 routes for traditional PUJs and will include:

• T132 Napocor Village/NIA Ville - SM North EDSA
• T133 NAPOCOR/NIA Ville - Mindanao Ave. Congressional
• T134 Bagbaguin - Malinta
• T234 Katipunan - Marcos Ave./University Ave. via UP
• T369 Libertad - PRC
• T370 Santol - Pina Ave. via Buenos Aires
• T371 Blumentritt - Divisoria
• T372 Blumentritt - Libertad via Sta. Cruz, L. Guinto
• T373 Libertad - Retiro via Mabini, Sta. Cruz, L Guinto
• T374 España - Rizal Ave. via Blumenttrit
• T375 Blumentritt - Retiro
• T376 Arroceros - Blumentritt via Dimasalang
• T377 Ayala - P. Burgos/J.P. Rizal
• T378 Baclaran - Blumentritt via Mabini, Sta. Cruz
• T379 Baclaran - Blumentritt via Quiapo/Mabini
• T380 Dapitan - Pier South
• T381 Divisoria - Libertad via L. Guinto
• T382 Divisoria - Libertad via Mabini
• T383 Divisoria - TM Kalaw via Jones Bridge
• T384 España - Project 2&3 via Timog Ave.
• T385 Project 4 - TM Kalaw via Cubao, E. Rodriguez
• T386 Pier South - Retiro via Sta. Cruz
• T405 Multinational Village - Gate along Imelda Ave.

This comes after transport collectives earlier this weekend held a protest demonstration 

In a text message to Philstar.com, Mody Floranda, president of transport group Piston, said that despite the higher numbers of public utility vehicles being deployed with the implementation of general community quarantine, the group wants all jeepney drivers allowed back on the road.

"What we're asking for is for 100% of [traditional jeepneys] to be able to ride again and serve the public and help lift the economy of our country. We want drivers and operators to have a livelihood again and for the public to have rides going to work again, and we want the drivers to be given their aid," he said. 

RELATED: 'Jeepneys are safe': Transport groups stage protest outside LTFRB office

Outside of traditional PUJs, the Department of Transportation has also allotted the following modes for commuters:

• Public Utility Bus (PUB) – 31 routes; 3,696 units
• Point-to-Point Bus – 33 routes; 364 units
• Taxi - 20,493
• Transport Network Vehicles Services (TNVS) - 23,776
• UV Express – 51 routes; 1,621 units
• Modern Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) – 45 routes; 786 units

In an earlier Philstar.com story though, transport economist and advocate Robert Siy, a member of the Move as One transport coalition corroborated Floranda's claims in a text message, saying: “Every bit helps, but the numbers are still far from sufficient."

"With the return to GCQ, more people will need public transport; if supply is inadequate, there will be pressure to crowd inside vehicles and at stops and terminals," Siy said.   

"The numbers announced by LTFRB are the vehicles authorized to operate, but the figures do not reflect the services that are available; the reality is that many transport operators decide not to operate, even after being authorized, because they are not able to earn enough due to the physical distancing and reduced capacity inside vehicles," he added. 

'Gradual, calculated resumption of transport' 

Sought for comment by Philstar.com, transportation spokesperson Goddes Libiran said in a text message: "The ones that aren't allowed to ride are jeepneys that are no longer road-worthy."

"Even if a unit isn't brand new, if it passes the roadworthiness test of the LTO, it will pass. Now talking about the pandemic, we can't let all the vehicles out because that will defeat the purpose of quarantine. We’re still in GCQ. Our approach is a gradual, calibrated, and calculated resumption of public transport," she said in a mix of Filipino and English. 

Months into the quarantine, both the Land Transportation Office and the LTFRB have not been keen on providing figures on their roadworthiness test and driver applicants, respectively. Though data on the existing demand is scarce, the need for transportation options has long been established over the past 156 days of community quarantine and only rises by the day.

For jeepney drivers and operators, the long wait for a gradual and calibrated resumption only adds to an already grueling five months without work, where many reported not receiving any social amelioration aid either.  

At a webinar organized in late June, commuter advocacy group Move As One Coalition, said: "If we assume that 50% of trips resume during COVID-19, there will be 14 million trips by public transport, walking, or cycling. If we continue to stop jeepney operations, around 4.8 million trips will not be served." 

In an earlier text message, Floranda told Philstar.com: "Drivers and operators are hoping they can go back to earning a living. They're ready to follow regulations, like putting up dividers in jeeps to ensure the public’s health and safety."

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