The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday, Dec. 27, said its data showed “all major routes or thoroughfares” in Metro Manila alone were operated by consolidated transport groups.

In a statement sent to the media ahead of the December 31 consolidation deadline, LTFRB added that “secondary routes without consolidation entities will be served by other modes of public transport.”

The agency also stated that by January 1 “all consolidated units would continue to operate on their existing routes” while those without consolidation could apply for a special permit to ply their routes.

LTFRB added that it was working with other government agencies in laying out the required measures concerning the full implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) when the consolidation deadline lapsed.

“Focus (sic) of LTFRB under the PUVMP is the welfare of commuters so that come January 1st, 2024, a sufficient number of PUVs are expected to continue plying their routes,” the agency stated, adding that they were coordinating with local government units for route rationalization.

This was following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to speed up the “much-delayed” PUVMP.

Route rationalization aims to supply rationalized and properly planned routes that would be responsive to the demands of the riding public.

According to LTFRB, LGUs would assist LTFRB and the transportation agency in organizing local routes based on passenger demand and required PUV units while ensuring ample supply of PUV services.

Transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) earlier filed a temporary restraining order before the Supreme Court to halt the franchise consolidation for being “unconstitutional.”

PISTON was hoping for a favorable outcome of the higher court’s decision but claimed to pursue its protests if an SC thumbed down the petition.