The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has modified 12 public utility vehicle (PUV) routes in Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, Rizal and Surigao del Sur to create a more convenient experience for commuters.

In a statement on Thursday, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said the streamlining of these routes is part of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“Through this, hindi na kailangan bumaba, lumipat at sumakay ulit ang mga pasahero (commuters won’t need to alight, find a new PUV and then take another ride again),” Mendoza said.

These modified routes include Rodriguez, Rizal to Quezon Memorial Circle and vice versa; Rodriguez, Rizal to Antipolo City and vice versa; San Mateo, Rizal to Cubao, Quezon City via Marikina and vice versa; Mandaluyong City Hall to One Ayala Terminal Hub; Cantilan, Surigao del Sur to Surigao City via Bad-as Terminal, among others.

Hundreds of other PUV routes are being studied with the goal of having faster and more convenient commuting across the country.

“Sa pamamagitan ng modified routes, isang sakay na ang at diretso na sa mga destinasyon nila (By modifying routes, they would just need to take one ride and go straight to their destination). This is just one of the measures we are implementing as far as public transport modernization is concerned,” he said.

Following the deadline for the extension of the PUV consolidation in 2024, the PTMP shifted towards route rationalization in coordination with local government units.

To date, hundreds of new routes have already been approved and more are under review as part of the program.

The gradual shift to modern jeepneys is also being enforced throughout the country.

“Our PTMP is on the right track and the additional new routes is proof of that. We will continue to exert efforts to implement the true intent of the PTMP,” he said.