Gov’t allots P2.2 billion to subsidize PUV modernization –LTFRB

Finance officials have approved an P80,000 subsidy for each of at least 28,000 jeepneys under the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Sunday.

In a text message, LTFRB board member Aileen A. Lizada said both the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Finance approved the subsidy for 28,347 public utility jeepneys nationwide in 2018.

The amount, she said, will total around P2.2 billion.

"Halos wala na silang ilalabas na pera para sa equity nila," she said.

This year, the government will provide subsidies for 250 jeepneys in three pilot areas: Senate-Philippine International Conference Center Area; Taguig-Pateros; Pateros-Fort Bonifacio.

To recall, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) last month launched the PUV modernization program, seeking to modernize the vehicles plying the streets of the country.

Under the program, new PUVs must pass higher safety standards, and should have their exits along the sides of the vehicles to ensure the riders' safety. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News