DOTr open to changes in PUV modernization program, present solution in 2 weeks

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday expressed openness to some changes in the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) to address the concerns of transport groups.

In a press conference, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said the department will present a “solution” in two weeks after its talks with more stakeholders.

“Absolutely, we're open to changes. This time it would be different. We would be open to changes because clearly there are some issues that need to be resolved,” he said.

According to Dizon, around 86% of public utility vehicles (PUV) have applied for consolidation as the initial part of the modernization program. However, he said only around 40% have been approved.

Dizon said he will discuss the matter with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and transport groups. After the meetings, he said he will present a solution in two weeks.

“Ngayon ang tanong ko sa LTFRB at ang tanong ko sa ating mga transport groups, bakit ganoon? Ano ang rason kung bakit hindi lahat na-approve? Requirements ba nila? Kailangan bang ayusin ng LTFRB 'yung mga road rationalization.

(Now my question to the LTFRB and to our transport groups, what happened? What is the reason why not all of them were approved? Is this because of the requirements? Does the LTFRB need to fix the road rationalization?”

“Malalaman natin 'yan in the next few weeks. Magpe-present ako ng solution moving forward within the next two weeks,” he added.

(We will know that in the next few weeks...I will present a solution moving forward within the next two weeks.)

Transport group MANIBELA on Monday morning started its three-day transport strike as protest in relation to the PTMP, formerly the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).

MANIBELA posted several photos on its Facebook page, showing passengers in Las Piñas, Quezon City, Pasay, Parañaque, and Caloocan, among other areas, who were supposedly stranded amid the transport strike.

Started in 2017, the PTMP 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.

The consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations is the initial stage of the modernization program. Unconsolidated units are considered colorum.—AOL, GMA Integrated News