Baguio City Council Urges Authorities to Extend Deadline for Local Jeepney Operators in PUV Modernization Crisis, Philippines

The Baguio City Council has urged transport authorities to extend the lifespan of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in the city that missed the January 31 deadline for conversion to small energy-efficient buses. The council’s resolution emphasized the need to maintain a status quo for traditional PUV owners until issues regarding the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) are resolved. Councilor Benny Bomogao suggested that both the local and national governments provide more incentives for jeepney operators to consolidate into fleets or cooperatives and replace their units with environmentally-friendly small buses. The high cost of a modern jeepney, priced between P2.4 million to P2.8 million, has made it difficult for most operators to afford the transition. Bomogao proposed tax holidays for operators who form corporations or transport cooperatives as an incentive to embrace PUV modernization. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had set the January 31 deadline for operators to consolidate into transport fleets in preparation for replacing traditional jeepneys with small buses. Those who failed to meet the deadline risked losing their individual PUV franchises once they returned to the streets on February 3. The city council requested data from the LTFRB on the level of consolidation among PUVs in Baguio and the number of vehicles that may be deemed colorum, or unauthorized, if operating after the deadline. The council also called on transport agencies to remain open to organizations that could not comply with the financial requirements due to groups like Piston Metro Baguio and the Baguio Benguet Against Jeepney Phaseout, which held a rally against the PUVMP on January 16.