Majority of Metro Manila PUVs Consolidated for Modernization Program

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The Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) has announced that 97 percent of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Metro Manila have been consolidated as part of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP). This is a significant achievement in the efforts to modernize the public transportation system in the city. The OTC Chairman, Andy Ortega, also revealed that 76 percent of PUVs nationwide have undergone consolidation.

According to data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), there are approximately 191,000 PUVs in the country with a franchise, out of which 146,000 have been consolidated. In the National Capital Region (NCR), 22,000 out of the 41,000 PUVs with franchises have registered for the modernization program in 2023.

The consolidation rate in Metro Manila was initially around 52 percent until the LTFRB recalculated the numbers. Out of the 22,000 PUVs that registered for the program, 21,000 have successfully completed the consolidation process. This has resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of registered PUVs, reaching as high as 97 percent.

Ortega emphasized that these numbers are revealing and indicate that a large majority of PUVs currently in operation are part of the modernization program. This is an encouraging sign, as it suggests that the impact of the program on the transportation system during previous transport strikes may not have been as significant as initially feared.

While the LTFRB has primarily focused on the NCR, the new consolidation numbers are expected to change the nationwide rate. Ortega confirmed that the consolidation deadline was initially set for December 31, 2023, but discussions are ongoing with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to explore ways the government can assist jeepney operators and drivers who have not yet consolidated.

The OTC is actively reaching out to different transport cooperatives nationwide to provide support to jeepney drivers who rely on their operators. The cooperatives are willing to accept jeepney drivers to join their ranks or form corporations to ensure that they can continue their livelihoods. Efforts are being made to find improvements, changes, and developments that can help those who have not yet consolidated.

It is important to note that traditional jeepneys that have not undergone consolidation will be considered colorum PUVs after January 31, according to the LTFRB. In a recent press briefing, the board highlighted that there are still thousands of unconsolidated PUV routes, with over 300 unconsolidated PUJ routes in Metro Manila alone.

Despite these challenges, the PUV Modernization Program is still considered a resounding success. Many of the unconsolidated routes are short-distance or duplicate routes that can be serviced by longer routes that have undergone consolidation. This highlights the fragmented nature of the public transport system, which the program aims to address.

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz 3rd echoed the sentiment that the program has been successful, with 76.6 percent of all PUJs and Utility Vehicle (UV) Express operating on fixed routes across the country having joined a corporation or cooperative under the modernization program. This translates to approximately 145,721 units.

Guadiz emphasized that the program has exceeded the target rate of 70 percent, indicating that many PUV operators have embraced the program and believe in its potential to improve the transportation system.

In conclusion, the PUV Modernization Program has made significant progress in Metro Manila, with 97 percent of PUVs consolidated. Efforts are ongoing to assist jeepney operators and drivers who have not yet undergone consolidation. While challenges remain, the program is considered a success, with a majority of PUJs and UV Express vehicles now operating under corporations or cooperatives. The program aims to address the fragmented nature of the public transport system and provide a more efficient and modern transportation experience for commuters.

Source: The Manila Times

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