Transport groups ask DOTr chief to appoint new execs for modernization program

Some transport groups have called on Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to appoint new officials who will oversee the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). 

In a letter sent to Dizon dated March 26, Pasang Masda national president Roberto “Ka Obet” Martin, ALTODAP national president Melencio “Boy” Vargas, and ACTO national president Liberty de Luna said the appointment of new transportation officials is the only way to expedite the modernization program. 

“Secretary, ang problema sa PTMP ay paano papatakbuhin at ma-implement ng tama at maayos. Dahil rito, ang aming huling dasal ay sana makapag talaga po kayo ng bagong opisyales na siyang mamumuno sa PTMP para umaandar na po ito ng mabilis,” the letter read.

“Sana po ang pipiliin ninyo ay bihasa na sa programa, alam na ang mga problema sa pagpapatupad at ang nararapat na solusyon. Sana po ang lider na ito ay kilala na at respetado sa hanay ng transportasyon,” it added.

The transport leaders expect to meet Dizon and other government transport officials to discuss the PTMP. But this early, they made some proposals in order to ensure the success of the PTMP.

Among the proposals are to implement the PTMP in the financially viable routes and compel routes capable of modernization to shift to modern jeepneys within 12 months after the declaration that they are modernized routes.

The groups are also calling for financial assistance for the operators of modernized routes so that they can shift to modern jeepneys.

Started in 2017, the PTMP — formerly the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (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.

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