The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) achieved a significant milestone in 2024 with the successful consolidation of over 85 pecent of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) under the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
This long-awaited achievement, seven years in the making, marks a crucial step towards a safer, more efficient, and eco-friendly public transportation system in the Philippines.
Franchise consolidation emerged as one of the LTFRB’s most impactful initiatives.
By transitioning operators to consolidated franchise models, the agency facilitated smoother operations and better integration of modernized fleets into the transport system.
This effort was complemented by targeted route rationalization programs in Metro Manila and other urban centers, which optimized public transport availability and reduced inefficiencies.
As the consolidation reached over 80 percent, the LTFRB, backed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement, the processing of applications of PUVs have been closed.
The agency reported that at least 85.6 percent of PUV units had been consolidated under the new system by the end of 2024.
This milestone, representing over 164,137 units, was a result of aggressive campaigns and deadline extensions, aimed at ensuring that operators complied with modernization requirements.
As of 29 November 2024, out of the 191,730 units, 164,137 units were consolidated which resulted to 85.6 percent.
This success was attributed to its robust outreach initiatives, relaxed policies, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders.
Provisional authority was later given to jeepneys that were not able to make it to the consolidation application, allowing them to still ply their route during the extension of consolidation as ordered by President Marcos Jr.
Amid calls for suspension, LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III repeatedly gave an assurance to all drivers and operators, who have undergone consolidation, that the modernization program will push through.
“This is considered a milestone, not just for the LTFRB, but for the entire government. It took seven years to finally reach this far in terms of the aspiration to modernize the country’s public transport. Despite several objections, strikes, and moves to suspend the program, we remain committed to accomplish the modernization program,” Chairperson Guadiz said.
The LTFRB also made significant headway in expanding the ride-hailing market.
With the accreditation of new transport network companies (TNCs) and the renewal of existing ones, bringing the accredited TNCs to 20 as of December 2024, commuters were provided with more options for reliable and innovative transportation services.
Platforms like Angkas were among those accredited, underscoring the agency’s dedication to fostering competition and innovation in the transport sector.
Equally crucial development in the transport sector was the granting of an increase in flag-down rate in taxis.
The LTFRB granted a P10.00-increase, making the flag-down rate at P50.
However, taxi operators are asking for another P10 increase to make the flag-down rate to P60, but the matter is being reviewed by the agency given its possible impact on inflation.
