SEN. Mary Grace Poe emphasized the need for the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to provide transparent information to the public regarding the routes that are expected to experience a shortage of jeepneys starting February 1. This announcement comes in light of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which requires jeepney drivers and operators to consolidate or form cooperatives by February 1 to fully benefit from the program.
Senator Poe expressed her concerns, stating that instead of solely focusing on cracking down on unconsolidated jeepneys, the concerned agencies should prioritize implementing contingency measures to ensure the smooth mobility of commuters. She acknowledged the anxieties expressed by commuters who fear a lack of public utility vehicles or the need to spend more on alternative modes of transportation, which can be burdensome for many.
As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, Senator Poe highlighted the challenges faced by drivers who have remained without cooperatives due to valid reasons, such as the high cost of the new jeepney units. She questioned the purpose of the PUV modernization if it is not implemented properly and only leads to further hardships for commuters and ordinary drivers.
Meanwhile, Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito drew attention to the worsening traffic congestion, exacerbated by the record-breaking car sales in the previous year. He cited data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association, revealing that 429,000 new vehicles were sold in 2023. Ejercito warned that this trend could result in an additional 2 million cars on the roads within the next five years, further aggravating the current traffic situation.
Sen. Ejercito emphasized the urgent need to prioritize rail projects as a solution to alleviate traffic congestion. He urged the Department of Transportation and other relevant agencies to expedite the implementation of previously funded rail projects. He recognized the importance of putting railway projects on the fast track to provide a viable alternative to the increasing number of cars on the road.
Ejercito reiterated his commitment to advocating for the prioritization and swift implementation of rail projects, recognizing their potential to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the overall transportation system.
Both Senators Poe and Ejercito have highlighted significant challenges in the transportation sector. Senator Poe emphasized the need for transparency and contingency measures to ensure the smooth mobility of commuters, while Senator Ejercito stressed the urgency of prioritizing rail projects to address worsening traffic congestion. Their insights and advocacy shed light on the importance of effective transportation planning and implementation to meet the needs of the commuting public.
Source: The Manila Times
