Jeepney operators, drivers continue to oppose modernization program

Jeepney operators and drivers continue to oppose the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program, saying the government’s requirements are too difficult and costly to obtain.

According to Dano Tingcungco’s report on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) requires jeepney drivers and operators to purchase “modernized jeepney” units which cost from P1 million to P2.2 million each with P800,000 coming from government subsidy.

The DOTr advised, so drivers and operators can afford to purchase a modern jeepney, to organize a cooperative.

This will result to drivers being able to receive a regular salary as they work by shifts. With the new scheme, the boundary system will no longer be applicable and there will no longer be competition among drivers.

DOTr Undersecretary Mark de Leon said jeepney operators and drivers are given a deadline to decide to take part in the jeepney modernization program.

"Binibigyan po natin ng deadline 'yung mga operators, na mag-consolidate and magbigay ng sabihin natin na notice na dapat na sila'y mag-pursige na mag-modernize and ang ibig sabihin lang po niyan by 2020, bibigyan kayo ng notice," he said.

"Kapag hindi pa kayo gustong mag-modernize, eh i-o-open na po namin 'yung inyong ruta o inyong prangkisa for other possible operators," he added.

The transport group, Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide or Piston said even with government subsidy, drivers will still need to shell out P39,000 every month to purchase a new unit.

At present, they are only earning P15,000 a month.

Piston President Mody Floranda said there are drivers who tried to apply for loans, that they can use to purchase the new jeepney units but are unable to produce required documents such as collateral and were questioned on their ability to pay back the loan.

Floranda added that the DOTr also requires them to have a terminal for loading and unloading with wifi and CCTV cameras.

“Kailangan mo ng terminal at loading/unloading area. Sinong makakakuha ng malaking sukat ng lupa? Meron ding sinasabi ang department order na ‘yung terminal dapat may wifi, CCTV. Lupa pa lang saan ka kukuha? Sa mall naman magkano naman ang usapin sa renta,” he said.

Jeepney driver Leo Pactol said it took him over 20 years to own two traditional jeepney units that cost him P600,000 each.

“Masakit isipin na mawala ‘yung mga jeep, dahil siyempre nakatulong din sa matanda. Pangalawa, nag-sacrifice kami nga para magkaroon kami ng jeep, para magkaroon kami ng hanapbuhay.”

The DOTr previously said drivers who will not upgrade their jeepney units by 2020 will lose their franchise.

The Metro Manila Development Authority also said the drivers can afford the hefty P2.2 million price tag of new jeepney units. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BAP, GMA News