The government has set a target to rationalize half of the country’s jeepney routes by the end of 2025 as part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Jesus Ferdinand Ortega.
Speaking on Sunday, Ortega stated that only 15% of jeepney routes have been rationalized to date. The goal is to reach 50% this year and achieve full rationalization by the end of 2026.
“We are now challenging our people in LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board] and in DOTr to really achieve that 50%,” Ortega said during an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
Route Rationalization Details
The rationalization program aims to determine the optimal jeepney routes nationwide and establish the number of vehicles required per route. Once completed, jeepney cooperatives will be mandated to modernize their fleets by acquiring new vehicles that meet Euro-4 emissions standards and are deemed roadworthy.
“We have to finish the route rationalization, and after that, cooperatives will have the obligation to replace vehicles,” Ortega explained.
The DOTr and LTFRB are working with local government units (LGUs) to evaluate demand and determine the necessary routes and fleet sizes. Once finalized, cooperatives will have 27 months to transition to compliant vehicles.
Long-Term Goals
The PUVMP aims for complete modernization by the end of 2029. This includes replacing outdated vehicles with environmentally friendly models and optimizing route systems for efficiency.
“Hopefully by the end of 2029, all vehicles and routes will be modernized,” Ortega added.