ICYMI: Jeepney phaseout postponed anew, inDrive suspension, new NLEX F. Raymundo exit

ICYMI: Jeepney phaseout postponed anew, inDrive suspension, new NLEX F. Raymundo exit

Jeepney phaseout postponed anew: Deadline for consolidation moved to April 30

“Important updates regarding the government’s PUV modernization program (PUVMP) have come out: the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced that the deadline for consolidation has been moved to April 30, 2024.

“You may recall that the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) previously extended the deadline from December 31 to January 31. This new three-month extension was recommended based on the number of unconsolidated drivers and operators, particularly in the capital.

“‘The extension will allow them to meet the consolidation requirement,’ said DOTr secretary Jaime Bautista during a recent press briefing. ‘This will enable us to fast-track the implementation of the PUV modernization program. And it was the President’s magnanimity that the extension was for three months.’

“‘We hope LTFRB and other concerned agencies will use the extension period to improve the program’s guidelines in line with raised concerns, particularly here in Metro Manila,’ added Bautista. ‘We still believe the program’s benefit outweighs its perceived deficiency.’

“He also added that the three-month extension—which is supposedly ‘more than enough’ to implement the program—will cater mainly to those who are willing to consolidate. As for those who aren’t he said those are probably the ones who refuse to support the government’s PUV modernization program. Bautista also confirmed that this will be the last extension.”

Explainer: The PUV modernization program in a nutshell

LTFRB suspends inDrive due to alleged fare-haggling

“The LTFRB has just ordered the suspension of operations of inDrive, the newest ride-hailing service provider to enter the Philippines.

“According to the LTFRB’s official statement, inDrive will remain suspended until it complies with MC 2019-036: Fare Rates For Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS). The company will have 15 days to present proof of compliance.

“This was done in response to alleged fare-haggling incidents that were reported to the LTFRB. Of note, the fare proposal system is a unique feature of inDrive, allowing passengers to suggest a price for their ride, and drivers to accept, decline, or propose a counteroffer.

“‘The LTFRB remains committed to ensuring the safety and fair practices within the transportation industry,’ reads the official statement. ‘Haggling of fares not only goes against the principles of transparency but also jeopardizes the welfare of both passengers and drivers. We take these allegations seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the violation.

“‘We remind all Transportation Network Companies that adherence to the terms and conditions of accreditation is essential to maintaining the integrity of our public transportation system. The LTFRB will continue to enforce policies that prioritize the safety, fairness, and efficiency of transportation services for the benefit of the commuting public.’”

Guide: All you need to know about inDrive, the newest ride-hailing service in PH

NLEX F. Raymundo Exit now open to Class 1 vehicles

“Motorists who often use the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), especially those who frequent Bulacan, take note: the new F. Raymundo Exit is now open to all Class 1 vehicles.

“NLEX Corporation and the City of Meycauayan have officially opened the new interchange albeit with limited access for now. Class 2 and 3 vehicles will be able to use the new exit after F. Raymundo and Antonio Street inside the city have been widened.

“In addition, NLEX Corporation has also announced that the Meycauayan Northbound Exit ramp has already been widened. The added lane will be for motorists bound for Malhacan, while the leftmost and middle lanes will be for those headed to Iba/Camalig.”

Advisory: Construction of North EDSA Busway Station begins on January 26

“EDSA Busway users coming from SM North EDSA will soon be able to use the busway station that will be built as part of the SM North EDSA Concourse Project.

“Construction of the new station began on January 26. To make way for the new structure, the existing footbridge that connects SM North EDSA and West Avenue/Paramount is now being demolished. Pedestrians may use the footbridge connected to Skygarden near Starbucks. Motorists, meanwhile, are warned of potential traffic buildup in the area from 11pm to 5am daily due to the construction work, which will last for 180 days. There may also be lane closures on some days.

“The North EDSA Busway Station will feature state-of-the-art walkways, multiple access ways like stairs, escalators, and elevators, and connections to commercial, business, leisure, and employment services.”

EDSA Busway violators that tried to escape apprehension get P21,000* fine

In 2023, Monday was the best day to drive around Metro Manila during the workweek

“Last year, traffic congestion was the most manageable on Mondays versus the rest of the workweek. This is based on the 2023 TomTom Traffix Index—the same study that rated Metro Manila traffic as the worst in the world out of 387 metro areas.

“On Mondays last year, traffic congestion peaked at 6am and 7pm, with motorists needing 28min 30sec and 31min to cover 10km, respectively. Gridlock was heaving during morning rush hour than in the evening, and morning congestion was actually worse on Monday versus Friday. But overall, it’s the best day to be on the road out of all the weekdays.

“Several holidays in 2023 also fell on a Monday, or if they fell on a Friday instead, some people may have filed for leave to take four days off. That should have helped ease congestion, too, relative to other days.

“Friday, as we’ve mentioned in a previous story, was the worst day to be on the road, justifying our decision to avoid that for our office day. In fact, the 2023 TomTom Traffic Index stated that by working from home on Fridays, you would have saved 47 hours of travel time for the entire year, and cut emissions by 201kg.

“Now, suppose you couldn’t opt for Monday as your office day, Thursday was your next best bet. And if you worked from home on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—you would have saved yourself 147 hours of travel time for the entire year, and cut emissions by 608kg.”

Viral airport police caught on EDSA Busway suspended

“Yet another scuffle on the EDSA Busway was caught on camera recently, and once again, it went viral. It involved a supposed airport police’s violent encounter with a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officer on the busway. Parts of the footage showed the police trying to forcibly take the phone of the MMDA enforcer, who was recording a video of the incident.

“We’ll spare you the other details and even the link to the video—the photos you see above aren’t even screencaps from the incident. But what you should know is that the police have been suspended by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), according to a report by ABS-CBN News.

“MIAA general manager Eric Ines ordered the suspension of the officers who were identified as APO2 Raymond Anuran and APO1 Michael Lilis. He also has Retired BGen. Manny Gonzales—assistant general manager for security and emergency services—leading the proceeding investigations.”

MMDA: ‘Clearly marked government vehicles’ not allowed to use EDSA Busway anymore

Remember to stay out of the bike lanes, too—not just the busway—when you’re on EDSA

“Bike lanes on EDSA are often misused and overly abused. Just try passing through the major thoroughfare during rush hour and you’ll see motorists—mostly motorcycles—filtering through traffic via the bike lanes.

“That might (hopefully) change soon, though, as the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT)—formerly known as I-ACT—is now cracking down on motorists entering the EDSA bike lanes. You may recall that SAIC also heavily cracked down on motorists illegally entering the EDSA Busway toward the end of last year.

“In the Facebook video shared by Gadget Addict, authorities were situated near Greenhills. SAICT officers were able to apprehend one rider after the other, and all of them were fined P1,000 for their violations.

“The joint efforts by SAICT and the MMDA last year to address the busway problem somehow worked, and the dwindling number of apprehensions month-on-month showed. Both the increased enforcement as well as the heftier fines surely played a role in that.”