Jeep strike over modernization program loses steam after noon

February 6, 2017

A jeepney transport strike on Monday forced some commuters to scramble for rides and colleges to suspend afternoon classes but its leader said they will mount a bigger strike in protest over the government’s plan to phase out old jeepneys.

“How can you say we got what we wanted?” said Jun Magno of Stop and Go Coalition in a radio interview. “The government wants us to avail of newer units but we have to pay for them. I don’t think that is not right.”

The affected routes were mostly in Caloocan and some areas in Quezon City. Buses were  seen in the areas where jeepneys are not expected to ply their routes. The strike fizzled out shortly after noon.

Aileen Lizada, board member of the Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), said in a separate radio interview they presented the modernization program with the jeepney operators.

"(We are) Moving towards to consolidating in the industry. meaning to say, now one jeepney, one operator. one jeepney, one franchise. The advantage in consolidating is when you buy spare parts, ( it’s) whole sale. Then your vehicles are brand new. For five years, you don’t have a problem in maintenance. (This means) Higher net, take home pay for jeepney operators,” said Lizada,

Lizada said they will take action on the drivers who did not ply their routes.

Lizada also announced the LTFRB has agreed on a provisional increase of one peso, or from seven pesos to eight pesos, for jeepney fares. DMS