Jeepney drivers all set for big rally in April

OPERATORS and drivers of the No to Jeepney Phaseout Coalition have announced plans to mount a massive protest on April 4 to continue their call against the government plan to scrap public utility jeepneys 15 years or older as part of efforts to modernize the country’s transport system.

The protest will be held outside the Department of Transportation and Communications office in Ortigas, according to coalition convenor George San Mateo of Piston (Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide). It could draw over 200,000 drivers and operators as San Mateo said the coalition now has “on its wings” 70 percent of the 300,000 franchised units nationwide.

Last year, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board assured jeepney drivers that the phaseout was not yet final. Annelle Tayao-Juego