LTFRB Expects 10,000 Operators and Drivers to Join PUV Modernization Program

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Wednesday that approximately 10,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers are expected to join the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) following the reopening of applications for consolidation on October 15.

LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III noted during a public briefing that they anticipate a 7% to 8% participation rate, which would translate to around 10,000 operators and drivers forming or joining cooperatives under the PTMP. Since the reopening of applications, more than 700 PUVs have already joined the program.

“This is the last opportunity. We don’t plan to reopen the window for modernization for those who fail to comply,” Guadiz emphasized, stressing that the deadline for consolidation is November 29.

The decision to reopen applications for 45 days followed a request from the Senate, where 22 of 23 senators signed Senate Resolution 1096, urging a temporary suspension of the PUV Modernization Program. However, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his support for the program.

PUV operators and drivers are required to join existing cooperatives rather than forming new ones, as current cooperatives already manage various routes, Guadiz explained. The LTFRB previously stated that PUVs that fail to consolidate by the April 30 deadline would be considered “colorum,” meaning they would be operating without a valid franchise.