DOTr: 36,217 PUVs, 2,445 routes still unconsolidated after deadline

A total of 36,217 public utility vehicles (PUVs) and 2,445 routes remain unconsolidated after the deadline under the government’s PUV modernization program, data released by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday showed.

Only 81.11% or 155,513 of 191,730 PUV units have been consolidated, the DOTr said during a hearing of the House committee on transportation. For routes, only 74.32% or 7,077 of 9,522 have been consolidated.

The consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations is the initial stage of the modernization program. 

Rizal Representative Jose Arturo “Jojo” Garcia Jr. called on the DOTr to allow the remaining 19% of PUVs that did not undergo consolidation to continue their operations.

“Yung ibang ‘old school,’ hindi pa nila kayang tanggapin 'yan kaya maraming pang hindi sumusunod e...Sabi ko kay DOTr, aralin ninyo baka puwede naman 'yung ayaw talaga, iyong mga hardliner, payagan na natin,” he said.

(The other “old school” drivers and operators can't accept the modernization program yet so many of them have to consolidate. I told the DOTr to study, maybe we can allow those who refused to continue their operations.)

For Garcia, the DOTr should let unconsolidated jeepney operators and drivers to realize on their own the possible benefits of participating in the program instead of forcing them.

“Yung hindi nagpapuwersa, iyan 'yung bigyan natin ng chance. Kaunti na lang iyan. Bigyan natin ng [provisional authority], temporary prangkisa isang taon…In the long run, ma-appreciate niyan na maganda ang programa ng gobyerno,” he added.

(Those who were not forced, let's give them a chance. There are only a few. Let's give provisional authority, a temporary franchise for one year...In the long run, they will appreciate that the government's program is good.)

DOTr Undersecretary Ferdinand Ortega took note of Garcia's suggestion.

“We appreciate yung statement in Congressman Garcia. Definitely po, any suggestion from this chamber po always accepted, talagang pinakikinggan (will be considered),” Ortega said during the hearing.

For route rationalization, only 1,101 of 1,574 local government units have submitted a public transport route plan. Of which, only 174 have been approved.

Transport group PISTON president Mody Floranda questioned why the DOTr already enforced a crackdown against unconsolidated jeepneys when route rationalization is not yet completed.

“Bakit nauna ang jeep phase out? Dapat route rationalization muna,” Floranda said citing DOTr Order No. 2017-011.

According to the DOTr, 41 of the 70 modern PUV models are “locally manufactured/assembled.” PUV are considered local if 25% of the trim chassis final assembly are produced/assembled locally, the DOTr said.

Meanwhile, 29 of the 70 modern PUV models are “imported completely built units.” The transport group lamented that many suppliers are from other counties.

Around 10% of 11,000 currently operating modern PUV operators are “in arrears” or behind with paying their loan which they used to buy the modern units to comply with the government’s program, according to the DOTr.

“Sa Landbank, less than 10% po ang nag-arrears. Arrears po 'yung pinag-uusapan hindi po nagsara "(At Landbank, less than 10% are in arrears. Arrears are what we are talking about, they were not closed),” Ortega said, adding that it is a “concern” for the DOTr.

Started in 2017, the PUVMP aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution. It also aims to replace units that are not deemed roadworthy.

A modern jeepney unit costs over P2 million, an amount that even state-run banks LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines said was too expensive for PUV drivers and operators.—AOL, GMA Integrated News