List of routes for conventional PUJs out this weekend —LTFRB

The list of routes for conventional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) is expected to be released this weekend prior to its scheduled resumption of operations in the capital region next week, a transport official said on Friday.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III said they are finalizing the routes for traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila to allow them back on the road after almost three months of suspension due to the pandemic.

“As I have said, inaayos na namin ngayong araw at kung hindi makaya, bukas, Saturday, ay malalaman na ang ruta ng mga traditional jeepney. Abangan ninyo na lang po ang anunsyo (As I have said, we are setting it up today and if it can’t be done, tomorrow, Saturday, we will know the routes for the traditional jeepneys. Just wait for our announcement on this),” Delgra said in an interview.

Meanwhile, an initial 30 routes will be opened for UV Express units which were given by the LTFRB a go signal to ferry commuters beginning Monday, June 29, Delgra added.

“Sa Lunes magsisimula na magoperate ang mga UV Express. Last night, ang aming technical team ay tinitingnan pa rin ang mga ruta na pwedeng buksan but we are looking at 30 routes to be opened initially (The UV Express units will start its operations on Monday. Last night, our technical team was still identifying routes to be opened for these vehicles but we are looking at 30 routes, initially),” he said.

“Within the same week, magooperate ang mga ito (UV Express and traditional PUJs). Ang target natin magsisimula sa Lunes ang mga UV Express, then susunod ang traditional jeepneys (Within the same week, UV Express and traditional PUJs will be back on the road. Our target is starting Monday, UV Express will resume its operations followed by traditional jeepneys),” the LTFRB chief said, noting that there is still no exact date for PUJs as routes are still being finalized.

Over the week, the LTFRB has allowed modernized PUJs to resume and ply along 34 routes in the Greater Manila area in addition to other modes of public transport that have been operating at limited capacity since the implementation of a more relaxed general community quarantine last June 1.

According to Delgra, the launching of the routes and the identification of modes of public transport to be allowed is based on the policies laid by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) such as the following of the hierarchy of public transport, as well as its gradual, calibrated, and partial approach on mass transit revival.