Transportation chief Dizon: PUV modernization to push through

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said Friday the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, now called public transport modernization program, will push through.

Dizon was referring to the PMTP program introduced in 2017, which mandates PUVs to have Euro 4 diesel engines to ensure roadworthiness and improved air quality.

The program required drivers and operators to consolidate under cooperatives or corporations, which will be given fresh seven-year franchises after they buy at least 10 modern jeepneys, mostly mini-buses.

“Kailangan maintindihan ng mga kasamahan natin sa transport sector na medyo may alinlangan rito sa PUV modernization na hindi pwede na iwanan na lang natin sa kinagisnan natin, iyong ating mga jeepneys at iba pang mga nandyan sa kalye natin. Kailangan mag improve ‘yan,” Dizon said.

(Members of our transport sector who are hesitant in embracing the program need to understand that we cannot leave our jeepneys and other public transport vehicles as they are. They need to be improved.)

The PUV modernization program has been marred by chronic delays since its introduction, mainly because of the high prices of modern jeepneys priced at P1.7 million to P3.3 million per unit that the operators and driver cannot afford and the lack of route plans which is the responsibility of the local government units.

Dizon was quick to point out that the government needs to do better to address these bottlenecks.

“Walang puedeng mag-argue [against] modernization. No brainer ‘yan. Pero aaminin ko, hindi ko pa masyadong kabisado ang mga issues, pero sa nababasa ko sa mga reports niyo in the past, ang kailangan talagang kausapin natin dito ay iyong mga transport workers: mga operators at mga drivers. Kasi at the end of the day, kung ano ang dagdag na gastos. Sila ang kailangan, sila ang sasalo nun,” Dizon said.

(Nobody can argue against modernization. That’s a no brainer. But I admit that I don’t know all the ins and outs just yet, but I have read your reports in the past, and we really need to reach out to jeepney operators and drivers because at the end of the day, it is them who will shoulder the additional expenses this program entails.)

“Kaya kailangan kausapin natin sila ng mabuti, at ang tingin ko, ang kailangan natin, masinsinang usapan. Naniniwala po ako na ang ating mga jeepney drivers at operators, hindi nila hahadlangan ang pag-unlad, ang modernisasyon, pero meron rin silang mga hinihiling, concerns, kailangan pakinggan ng gobyerno,” Dizon added.

(That is why we really need to hear them and take their point of views to heart. Because I believe that they are not opposed to progress and modernization. They just have legitimate concerns that the government needs to resolve.)

In closing, Dizon said the modernization of public transport needs a very urgent action.

“Kailangan muna natin kausapin sila at pag-aralan mabuti kung ano ang magandang way forward, pero kailangan umusad tayo, hindi puedeng wala tayong gagawin,” Dizon added.

(We need to talk to the operators and drivers and study carefully what is the best way forward. But we need to move forward and do something.)

In a separate press conference, senatorial candidates from the Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas voiced their sentiments about the jeepney modernization program.

Former senator Panfilo ''Ping'' Lacson made a pitch to the DOTr to study the possibility of retaining the ''individual ownership'' of jeepney drivers.

''Possibly, puwedeng gawing requirement maging member sila ng coop. Pero di nila bibitiwan or mare-retain nila ang kanilang franchise sa kanilang jeepney para masabi nila... kasi pag nilipat sa cooperative, parang feeling nila mawawalan sila ng ownership,'' Lacson said.

(Possibly, we can require them to be a member of a cooperative. But, they will retain their franchise so they will not feel that they have lost their ownership.)

''I would suggest to the newly designated DOTr secretary na pag-aralan ang concept na ganoon,'' Lacson added.

(I would suggest to the newly designated DOTr secretary to study this concept.)

The Philippine government can also look for cheaper electric vehicles from other nations, according to Lacson.

Meanwhile, ACT-CIS party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo said the government should ensure that the jeepney drivers and operators have access to loans so they can purchase electric vehicles.

On the other hand, former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos said the matter has been a work in progress.

EDSA Busway

When it comes to the issue on EDSA Busway, Dizon said he agrees with his predecessor as regards its planned privatization.

To recall, Jaime Bautista, earlier said the government was not planning to remove the EDSA Busway; instead, the operations will be handed over to a private sector operator to improve commuter experience.

''You know, I absolutely agree with Secretary Bautista, that is the way to go. We need — these infrastructure projects really need to be operated well ‘no, nakita na natin iyon dito sa ating bansa eh,'' Dizon said.

''I think that has really set the tone and Secretary Jimmy, under his stewardship and his leadership has really set the tone to ensure that the private-public partnerships for the transport sector are really given the priority that they’ve long deserve ‘no,'' he added.  — BAP, GMA Integrated News