Sufficient PUVs operating in NCR — DOTr

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said there are enough consolidated public utility vehicles (PUVs) operating in Metro Manila, more than a month after the consolidation deadline.

In a statement released on Sunday, Bautista said 80% of PUV operators and drivers joined cooperatives as part of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP), based on a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) report.

“Merong mga rutang kailangan sigurong bawasan yung vehicles kasi napakarami [for one route],”Bautista said on the sidelines of the Maritime Industry Authority’s 50th anniversary.

(Vehicles in some routes should be reduced since there are too many.)

Bautista also said the transportation department, the LTFRB and Metro Manila local government units are working on the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP).

“With the finalization of this LTPRP, talagang masisiguro natin na magiging profitable at sustainable yung mga ruta and that would mean pwede silang maginvest sa modern vehicles.”

The LPTRP indicates the detailed route network, mode, and required number of PUVs per mode for delivering land transport service, which shall be the minimum requirement prescribed for the issuance of PUV franchises.

The LTFRB has been apprehending unconsolidated PUVs as their franchises were revoked after the April 30 consolidated deadline.

Bautista earlier said there would be a more efficient fleet management and dispatch system of PUVs if they are consolidated.

However, some groups oppose the PUVMP as it impedes their livelihood. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News