Public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers who missed the initial deadline for the government’s transport modernization program are getting another chance to consolidate, following a new directive from the Department of Transportation (DoTr).

Under Department Order (DO) No. 2025-009 signed on 6 May, the DoTr has reopened the consolidation for unconsolidated PUV operators and drivers, allowing them to join existing cooperatives or form new ones.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the order aims to ease the financial burden on transport stakeholders, particularly those who have already met the modernization requirements.

It also provides support to those still facing challenges amid the ongoing rollout of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

“We need to help those who have already modernized and joined the program. They are our priority, and we need to give them some reprieve so they don’t end up losing money,” Dizon said.

He added that the directive also ensures that operators who failed to consolidate by the April 2024 deadline still have a path to operate legally.

“That’s the option now for those who weren’t able to join by April 2024 — they can either join an existing consolidated cooperative or form their own. For routes with less than 60 percent consolidation, where not many units are operating yet, they can enter those as well,” Dizon said.

The directive applies to PUV operators with pending consolidation applications and those in areas where the route rationalization plan has not yet been enforced.

Qualified operators may join consolidated transport service entities (TSEs) in routes with at least 60 percent consolidation, subject to the approval of those TSEs. For routes with less than 60 percent consolidation, operators may either form new TSEs or join existing ones, provided they have prior authority to operate in those areas.

Old jeepney units, meanwhile, will undergo roadworthiness checks to ensure commuter safety.

“We need to make sure that safety is our paramount concern,” Dizon said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier asked the DoTr to ensure the PTMP improves commuter safety without compromising the livelihood of drivers and other transport workers.