Following the two-day transport strike held on October 16-17, PISTON will once again organize another transport strike On December 4 and 5. This is still in relation to the modernization of jeepneys. As we all know, the drivers and operators were clamoring about the jeepney phase out when it was announced by President Rodrigo Duterte. Operators perceive this to be a wrong move as drivers and operators have to shoulder the expenses for overhauling the public transportation. 

The two-day transport strike is said to put a stop to the government's future plan. However, the repeated strike only prompted transport chief Arthur Tugade to cancel franchises and licenses of those who will participate in the transport strike  Tugade believes that protesters will only disrupt public convenience. 

He also added that PISTON has already been invited to dialogues, but they still preferred to hold strikes. Jeepney operators will also face legal consequences. 

The LTFRB  has filed cases against operators who stopped jeepney operations to take their turmoil and discontentment against jeepney modernization to the streets. 

Although the government has previously warned protesters, none of the participants' licenses and franchises has been revoked yet. 

What You Need To Know About The Modernization Program?

The modernization program covers jeepneys, buses and public utility vans. For the commuting public, the modernization will bring safer means of transportation as new vehicles will be equipped with CCTVs and GPs. These devices will monitor both passengers and drivers. The vehicles will also have speed limiters, and safety officers will also be assigned. 

Although jeepney drivers are not in favor of the modernization, the program will also make way for receiving monthly salaries and benefits. What's in it for them? The sight of drivers competing against each other to get as many passengers as possible will hopefully be reduced. Once OFG will be issued, existing franchises will continue to operate for a maximum of three years. The transition period will also be a time for operators to apply to operate in new or modified routes. 

The hustle and bustle of the city, people toing and froing and infrastructures here and there are all signs that the country has been growing rapidly. With the demands that this rapid growth entails, it is imperative to maintain a fast and steady pace. Traffic jams are a daily sight for urban settlers. In fact, it marks another busy day in the city. Catching a ride that will take you to your destination the earliest possible time is such a challenge as there are also hundreds of passengers parading like ants trying their best to make it to their destination. With the regulation of ride-sharing services, Pinoy commuters need not wait for agonizing hours to catch a ride. 

Public convenience is the main objective of Department order 97-1097 and it aims to improve transport service so it will be more accessible to the commuting public. It has effectively merged transport services and the modern advances in technology so the commuters will find it easier to get to their destination. People can download apps such as Uber to get a ride conveniently. Since this order modernizes the traditional way of commuting, passengers will find it convenient to travel from one place to another. 

These transportation services are online-enabled and it works by connecting drivers to customers requesting a ride. It also allows potential customers to browse through a list of registered vehicles. The transaction is completed once the driver receives the request and the customers are taken to their destination. 

The amendments covered for transportation network vehicle service include: 

Route: No fixed route

Vehicle type: Sports Utility Vehicle, Sedan, Asian Utility Vehicle, Van and other similar vehicles. 

Ventilation: air-conditioned

Seating capacity: should not exceed 7 passengers excluding driver

Mode of payment: pre-arranged

Fare: Based on TNC, it is subject to oversight from LTFRB following various circumstances such as national or local emergency, power shortage, civil disorder etc. 

Operation Conditions: 

Driver must have a professional driver's license;

Driver must be registered with LTFRB;

Driver must be TNC accredited;

Vehicle must be TNC accredited;

Vehicle must be 3 years old or below from the date of manufacture;

Age limit of vehicle must not exceed to 7 years from the date of manufacture;

Vehicle must be equipped with necessary tools;

Driver must have online-enabled digital device for pre-arranged ride;

Driver must only entertain customers that made a request using online-enabled application which is TNC accredited and provided;

Driver is not allowed to pick up passengers from the airport unless approved or authorized by airport management;

LTFRB prescribed identification card must be displayed during trips;

Passengers must be insured with personal accident insurance providers, which are LTFRB accredited;

Operators and drivers must comply with the government issued requirements.