The city government of Manila is filing a request for the suspension of the entire Baclaran–Divisoria jeepney line, due to multiple reported incidents of trip-cutting.
“The people of Manila and the city government of Manila will be the complainant before the LTFRB,” said city mayor Isko Moreno during a press conference held on the morning of July 23, 2019.
Moreno also issued a warning to operators and drivers of other jeepney routes where trip-cutting—or terminating the service before completing the route as specified in the franchise—is rampant. Routes mentioned included Cubao–Divisoria, and those passing through areas like MCU, Blumentritt Pedro Gil, Padre Faura, and Paco.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra III was also present during the press conference. “We welcome and will accept whatever complaints the city will file against any and all public utility jeepneys—o kahit na ano man, pwedeng UV Express o mga taxi na pupunta dito sa Manila—na nagti-trip-cutting o kaya nag-aabuso sa kanilang prangkisa,” he said.
“Pagdating kasi sa prangkisa, I would just like to point out very simply, na pag may ruta yan, may tinatawag na origin–destination,” Delgra continued. “Pagseserbisyuhan niyo yung mga pasahero na sasakay sa inyo, whether sa origin or anywhere else dun sa daan na yan, papunta dun sa dulo. Wag naman niyo naman ibitin yung mga pasahero na hanggang doon lang kung saan niyo gusto. Kahit iisa nalang ang pasahero na sakay niyo, kung saan ang destinasyon niyo, ihahatid niyo talaga yan hanggang sa destinasyon.
“Yan po ay obligasyon niyo—ito po ay isang responsibilidad na binigay niyo under a franchise, which is a privilege granted by government. Yun po ang palaging ulit-ulit na sinasabi doon sa mga operator, lalung-lalo na doon sa mga driver na nagmamaneho.
“We welcome the initiative of the city. We will accept whatever complaints the city will file.”
Normally, the LTFRB imposes graduated penalties for such violations, starting with monetary fines, then suspension, then outright cancellation of the franchise. Moreno said that the the final decision on the suspension and its duration rests with the LTFRB.
