After forcing jeepney drivers and operators in Baguio City and nearby towns to consolidate their franchises, the local government is now taking away their routes to aggressively push the jeepney phaseout.

Piston local chapter reports that 96% of licensed jeepneys have already consolidated under threats of individual franchises cancellation from the LTFRB-Cordillera Autonomous Region.

“Many were pressured and forced to comply with the process,” Piston Metro Baguio president Carlito Wayas said. City drivers have long questioned the so-called modernization’s true intention.

The jeepney phaseout’s goal became clear when the city released Ordinance No. 22 or the Route Rationalization Plan, which aims to reduce the number of routes for operating jeepneys, even for those who consolidated. From 46, only 31 routes remain. Of these, 29 are “rationalized” or merged routes, while two are new routes that will pass through tourist areas.

As a result, the number of operating jeepneys will drop from 2,164 units to 1,544, depriving over 2,000 drivers and their families of livelihood. Commuters ask why jeepneys are reduced by as much as 620 units amid the increasing demand for public transportation.

There is currently only one jeepney for every 169 passengers per day. The ordinance will make it one jeepney for every 237 passengers. “This shortage will worsen with the growing Baguio population, both residents and visitors,” they said.

This will also result in confusion for commuters and chaos for drivers with overlapping routes. In addition to drivers and operators, this will also be detrimental to canteens, vulcanizing shops, and dispatchers relying on jeepney operations.

In September, drivers and operators under the Baguio-Benguet Movement Against Jeepney Phaseout (BBMAJPO) and Piston Metro Baguio submitted their opposition to the route changes. They denounced the ordinance’s release without consultation. Drivers are disappointed how local government officials have ignored their grievance. Officials even rejected the documents containing their position against the route reduction.