A Nationwide Transport Strike Is Happening Until May 1

(SPOT.ph) Heads up, commuters: A nationwide transport strike is happening from Monday, April 29 to Wednesday, May 1 to protest the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.

The strike will be led by Manibela the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) in response to the government’s approaching April 30, 2024 deadline for franchise consolidation applicants under the PUV Modernization Program, which they argue has a negative impact on livelihoods and public transportation like increased fares and reduced availability.

The protest’s focal point will be in Metro Manila, with significant activities planned in Alabang, Baclaran, Sucat, Taft Avenue, Agoncillo, Monumento, Novaliches, Litex, Anonas, Katipunan, and PhilCOA.

Bayan Muna Representative Fredie Gaite said in a media forum on April 27 that a bigger protest is expected on Labor Day, where labor groups like Kilusang Mayo Uno and All Workers Union are set to gather in thousands to support transportation workers.

“Ito ay kinakailangan nating gawin upang ipaglaban natin ang ating mga kabuhayan sa sektor ng transportasyon,” PISTON Deputy Secretary General Ruben Baylon said in the same media forum. “Karapatan ng mamamayang Pilipino na maglingkod sa sambayanan. Kung kaya, kahit na matapos ang deadline, hindi titigil sa pamamasada ang mga drayber at operator.”

List of affected routes in nationwide transport strike from April 29 to May 1

The transport strike began early this morning, with the commuter impact varying across different parts of the city. #BantayBiyahe reports from Dobol B TV noted that around 50 jeepneys were parked and not in service near Baclaran Church, significantly reducing transport availability on the Baclaran-Divisoria route.

In Quezon City along E. Rodriguez, Quezon Avenue, and Araneta Avenue, 90% of transport services like jeepneys, buses, and taxis had already stopped serving routes as of 11 a.m.

Meanwhile, it seems like business as usual in Caloocan City at Monumento Circle as of 9 a.m., with all forms of public transport available since the majority of operators are said to have already consolidated in the area. Earlier that morning, a few drivers there said they might join the protest later in the day after completing some trips to secure daily earnings.

The Philippine National Police is currently stationed in Welcome Rotonda in anticipation for the caravan at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) at 4 p.m. later today.

Why are jeepney drivers going on strike?

PHOTO BY Facebook/Piston: Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide

The PUV Modernization Program was initiated as far back as 2017 with a goal to replace traditional jeepneys with new vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to reduce pollution. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) considers this “a safer, more efficient, reliable, convenient, affordable, climate-friendly, and environmentally sustainable transportation system in the country.”

However, high costs have raised concerns among drivers and operators, which could potentially exceed P2 million per unit. It can be recalled that a series of nationwide transport strikes took place in 2023 for the same reason.

The government extended the initial December 31, 2023 deadline for traditional jeepneys to join transport cooperatives until April 30, 2024. New guidelines from the LTFRB permits these jeepneys to operate until then, but only in areas where less than 60% of PUVs are consolidated. After this date, jeepneys are not allowed on routes where consolidation exceeds 60%.

Operators who have already consolidated can also apply for special permits to serve routes that need more vehicles, with priority given to them to add more units if needed.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has previously reiterated that there will no longer be an extension of the franchise consolidation, with April 30 as the final deadline.