The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Friday, February 21, that the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program will push through while addressing the concerns of drivers and operators.
In a Palace briefing, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said thorough study and consultation with transport workers, operators, and drivers is needed before the modernization program will push through.
“So right now naman, as far as I understand, it’s a status quo. Pero kailangang umusad tayo, hindi naman puwedeng wala tayong gagawin,” Dizon said.
Launched in 2017, the PUV Modernization Program mandates the use of Euro 4 diesel engines to enhance road safety and reduce air pollution. It also requires drivers and operators to join cooperatives or corporations, which can secure seven-year franchises if they purchase at least 10 modern jeepneys, primarily mini-buses.
The PUV modernization program has faced persistent delays since its launch, primarily due to the steep costs of modern jeepneys, which range from P1.7 million to P3.3 million per unit, making them unaffordable for many operators and drivers. Additionally, the absence of clear route plans, a responsibility of local government units, has further hindered progress.
Dizon assured the public that while the government is committed to implementing the program, legitimate concerns of transport workers will be considered.
He also emphasized that a more detailed plan outlining the government’s priorities in the transport sector will be presented in the coming weeks.
“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.
“Bigyan ninyo kami ng pagkakataon; ilang linggo siguro, bigyan ninyo kami at babalik kami sa inyo para mas detalyadong plano,” he added. (TCSP)
