Sen. Miriam Files Bill to Discipline Jeepney Drivers

The roads of Manila are scary. Buses and jeeps zoom on tiny roads as if they were on a racetrack, and just as fast as they drive, they stop in the middle, causing traffic and accidents. That may soon be addressed as Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has filed Senate Bill 2775, or the ‘Jeepney Terminals and Stops Act,’ which aims to implement a more uniformed and organized process for jeepneys.

The bill entails that the local government and government units must build PUJ terminals (with waiting sheds) where people usually board and alight. Terminals must not be more than 100 meters apart from each other and must also be found in high-traffic areas like schools, hospitals, churches, and city or municipal halls, regardless of the 100-meter requirement.

Each terminal must also have an office for jeepney operations, and a restroom open to the public. The terminal must also have proper signage indicating the route and the penalties for non-compliance. 

On top of that, jeep drivers and operators will need to attend a seminar about traffic rules and regulations, road etiquette, driving safety, the creation of new terminals and stops, and the penalties that arise from any violation. Those who don’t attend will be fined P3,000. Certificates of attendance will be given to attendees, and will be required for drivers who wish to renew their license.

Drivers who load or unload a passenger in a non-designated ‘stop’ will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,500 for the second offense, and P3,000 for the third offense, which the driver and operator must now pay. A fine of P5,000 will be charged for the fourth offense, and his/her license will be suspended for six months. For the fifth offense, the driver’s license shall be revoked and operator franchise suspended for one year.

Passengers who don’t follow the rules will also be fined. Those who alight outside the ‘stop’ zones will need to attend a seminar on traffic rules and regulations. For the second offense, the passenger will be fined P1,000, while a third offense comes with a P2,000 fine.

What do you think of this bill? Share your thoughts below!