MANILA. Philippines – The Department of Transportation has reopened consolidation applications for public utility vehicle operators (PUV).

The move allows PUV operators and drivers, including those previously considered “colorum,” to form cooperatives or join existing ones. This comes over a month after the new transport chief ordered a review of the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

“‘Yun option ngayon ng mga hindi nakapasok noong April 2024 — they can either join an existing consolidated cooperative or they can form their own pero para sa mga below 60% sa mga ruta na hindi pa ganun karami ang buma-biyahe, pwede silang pumasok dun,” Transport Secretary Vince Dizon said in a statement on Wednesday, May 7.

(That’s the option for those who were not able to join in Apil 2024 — they can either join an existing consolidated cooperative or they can form their own, but they can join routes that have a below 60% [consolidation rate] where there aren’t many members yet.)

The government initially gave drivers and operators an April 30, 2024 deadline. Those who failed to meet the deadline were deemed “colorum,” as only consolidated entities were allowed to ply the routes of Metro Manila.

Applications for consolidation were again reopened for 45 days later in 2024, from October 15 to November 29.

Upon getting appointed as DOTr chief, Dizon vowed to review the PTMP and conducted consultations with public transport and civil society groups, and other stakeholders. A special committee was formed on March 31, 2025 to review the system.

“While the Special Committee is undertaking a complete review of the PTMP and implementation challenges are being addressed, it is necessary to reopen the application for consolidation and provide guidelines for issuance of PA [Provisional Authority] for unconsolidated individual operators to ensure a more equitable and just transition for PUV operators under the PTMP,” the May 2025 department order read.

Those applying to serve new routes must have at least 15 signatories from jeepney and/or UV Express operators.

The department order covers jeepney and UV Express operators previously granted a Provisional Authority to operate but failed to consolidate, and those with pending applications.

Old jeepney units will be allowed to operate, subject to a roadworthiness check.

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