More routes reopen for traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila: DOTr

MANILA – More routes for traditional utility jeepneys were reopened in Metro Manila, Transportation authorities said Tuesday.

The Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) allowed forty-four additional routes and 4,820 units to operate according to a memorandum dated October 10, the Transportation Department said in a statement.

The latest development brought the total to 27,016 traditional jeepneys in operation covering 302 routes in Metro Manila since the general community quarantine was imposed, he said.

Jeepney drivers complained about a lack of income during the shutdown, as restrictions significantly reduced their income.

Buses, modern jeeps, and trains were allowed to operate earlier than traditional jeepneys while the LTFRB worked on a route scheme. Some drivers resorted to begging for relief items on the streets.

LIST: Public Service Vehicles (USP) in Metro Manila as of June 1, 2020:

1. TRADITIONAL PUBLIC SERVICES JEEPNEY (PUJ)
No of open routes: 302
No. of authorized units: 27,016

2. JEEPNEY MODERN PUBLIC SERVICE (PUJ)
No. of open routes: 48
No. of authorized units: 845

3. PUBLIC SERVICES BUS (PUB)
No. of routes: 34
No. of authorized units: 4,016

4. POINT-TO-POINT BUS (P2P)
No. of open routes: 34
No. of authorized units: 387

5. UV EXPRESS
No. of open routes: 76
Number of authorized units: 3263

6. TAXI
No. of authorized units: 20,927

7. TRANSPORTATION NETWORK VEHICLE SERVICES (TNVS)
No. of authorized units: 24,356

8. PROVINCIAL PUBLIC SERVICES BUS (PUB)
No. of open routes: 12
No. of authorized units: 286

9. MODERN UV Express
No of open routes: 2
No. of authorized units: 40

The LTFRB assured the public and the transportation sector that more routes would be opened for ferry passengers during the pandemic.

Business groups have previously urged the government to increase public transportation to allow employees to report to their workplaces.