MANILA, (PIA) -- More than 25,000 jeepney drivers need to join cooperatives to renew their franchise before it expires on April 30.

According to a report Thursday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will meet on Monday to discuss addressing the shortage of jeeps.

The jeepney modernization program aims to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles that run on more environmentally-friendly fuel. 

Operators and drivers can apply for a new franchise, but as part of transport cooperatives.

The LTFRB has not yet made a decision on extending the franchise of traditional jeepneys.

"It depends on what will be presented to the board. Maybe the not to be allowed is also far out, but there's going to be certain compliance that they need to do," said LTFRB board member Riza Marie Paches.

The agency also called on the operators of traditional jeepneys to form a cooperative or participate in another cooperative to avoid the problem.

According to the LTFRB, it is better for the jeepney driver to be a member of the cooperative because the boundaries are no longer needed.

"Our drivers should be paid. They are considered our drivers under the Modernization Program are considered as regular employees of the corporation or the cooperatives. They are entitled to a regular salary and they are also entitled to social legislative benefits such as SSS, Pagibig, PhilHealth," said LTFRB NCR regional director Zona Tamayo. (PIA-NCR)