Transportation Usec. Timothy John Batan clarified that traditional jeepneys can continue to operate in 2024 as long as they comply with the consolidation requirement by December 31.
Batan explained on Thursday, December 14, that operators and drivers have two to three years to comply with the other requirements of the public utility vehicle modernization program after they consolidate.
"Ang hinihingi lang natin ay by December 31 ay mag-consolidate, makisama, sumapi sa isang grupo, sa isang kooperatiba, sa isang korporasyon," Batan said during DZRH's Damdaming Bayan.
"Hindi naman agaran na papalitan na ang inyong luma, traditional jeep, nitong mga modernong jeep," he stressed.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) official stressed that the government will no longer extend the franchise of operators who fail to comply with the consolidation requirement.
Batan clarified the two-day transport strike of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) which wants the government to scrap the mandatory franchise consolidation and the December 31 deadline.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has responded and rejected the call to extend the deadline.
"We cannot let the minority cause further delays, affecting majority of our operators, banks, financial institutions, and the public at large," President Marcos said in a statement.
