DOTr, PISTON tackle calls for PUV modernization scrapping

The Department of Transportation and transport group PISTON met on Friday to discuss the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) amid demands to scrap the initiative.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III engaged with PISTON officials, according to a report by Joseph Morong on GTV’s Balitanghali.

PISTON stated that Dizon committed to reviewing the possible renewal of registrations for unconsolidated public utility vehicles (PUVs).

However, the transport group insisted that consultations and reassurances were not enough.

“The PTMP must be immediately scrapped, and the entire public transport system must be restructured to genuinely prioritize the welfare of transport workers and commuters,” PISTON said.

PISTON National President and Makabayan senatorial candidate Mody Floranda criticized the modernization program, claiming it has bankrupted drivers and operators while crippling the transport system.

“Walong taon nang nilalabanan ng mga tsuper at operator ang programang ito. Ngayon, hindi na pinapayagang makapag-renew ng rehistro ng mga jeep at prangkisa ang maraming operator na sumisira sa kanilang kabuhayan at pumipinsala sa mga komyuter,” he said.

(Drivers and operators have been resisting this program for eight years. Now, many are unable to renew their jeepney registrations and franchises, destroying their livelihoods and affecting commuters.)

He also noted that the number of jeepneys has drastically dropped from 300,000 to just 150,000.

GMA News Online has reached out to Dizon for a response but has yet to receive a statement.

Initiated in 2017, the PTMP—formerly the PUV Modernization Program—seeks to replace old jeepneys with Euro 4-compliant models to reduce pollution and improve road safety. 

However, the cost of a modern jeepney exceeds P2 million, a price deemed too steep even by government financial institutions.

The program mandates the consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations. Unconsolidated units are classified as colorum and are subject to penalties. — Joviland Rita/DVM, GMA Integrated News