Angkas calls for refinements in PUV modernization program

Motorcycle taxi pioneer Angkas on Thursday called for refinements in the implementation of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

In a statement, Angkas CEO and co-founder George Royeca expressed support for the PUVMP but said modernization is “not just about the vehicles but the system.”

The Angkas chief said the program should focus beyond the eco-friendly facelift of vehicles by considering the needs of passengers and motorists.

“The idea for this program should be able to address the concerns of the stakeholders and uplift the lives of these passengers and drivers,” Royeca said.

He added that resolving commuter concerns, including waiting queues, arrival and departure times, as well as use and payments, should be addressed as well.

Started in 2017, the PUVMP aims to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution and replace units that were not deemed roadworthy under the standards of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations is the initial stage of the modernization program. This aims to pass the burden of acquiring modernized units from operators to the transport entity.

Several transport groups have launched a series of protest marches against the program, saying they have lost their own jeepney units after their vehicle registrations were transferred to transport cooperatives.

“What pain point are we trying to solve by just upgrading the vehicles? Upgrading the vehicle alone may fix the environment, but is that really the critical aspect of the situation, or of why we’re modernizing the iconic jeepneys?” Royeca said.

The Angkas chief proposed that the motorcycle taxi sector’s approach to its partner-rider should be adopted “by legitimizing members of the informal transport sector, with the addition of benefits and tech advantages promoting income stability.”

Royeca said Angkas has been giving its drivers access to financial institutions such as Pag-IBIG, the Social Security System, and reliable loan services, fulfilling its commitment to the welfare of riders.

Among the ultimate goals of the PUVMP, apart from modernizing units, is to modernize the public transport system and remove the boundary system by making the income of drivers fixed.

“Like employees of companies or corporations, they will be entitled to SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth benefits," said Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) chairman Andy Ortega. — VBL, GMA Integrated News