Transport group PISTON National president Mody Floranda warned that a significant number of jeepney drivers and operators may be excluded from the government’s upcoming service contracting program due to strict requirements and unresolved registration issues.

In an exclusive DZRH interview, Floranda said only a few Piston members are currently included, with many struggling to meet eligibility conditions such as franchise renewal and compliance with modernization policies.

"Pero ang problema, hindi nila alam paano mag miyembro sa service contracting kasi may mga dadaanan pong proseso yan,” he said, noting that many operators have yet to renew or register their vehicles.

Floranda stressed that the requirement for operators to be part of a cooperative or corporation under the modernization program is a major barrier.

"Kaya't malaking porsyento ng ating public transport ay hindi talaga makakapasok sa ganitong programa," he added.

The group also raised concerns over limited program coverage, citing estimates that only around 19,000 units may be accommodated, leaving thousands of traditional jeepneys without support.