The Office of Transport Cooperatives (OTC) has revealed that the complete implementation of the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) is expected to take several years. OTC Chairman Andy Ortega explained that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), is still in the process of finalizing a Local Public Transport Route Plan. This plan is crucial as it will facilitate the necessary adjustments in the number of consolidated units per route. However, Ortega acknowledged that this process alone could take anywhere from one to two years to complete.
Only after the route plan is finalized can the 27-month countdown begin before people start seeing fully modernized PUVs on the roads. Ortega emphasized that the implementation of fully modernized PUVs cannot begin until all LGUs have a route rationalization plan in place. This requirement, along with the subsequent countdown period, means that the complete modernization of PUVs will indeed take several years.
According to the latest available data, out of the 191,000 public utility jeepney (PUJ) and UV Express units nationwide that have franchises, 146,000 have already undergone consolidation. This consolidation process is a crucial step in the modernization program, as it aims to replace aging and inefficient vehicles with newer, safer, and more environmentally friendly ones. In Metro Manila alone, 90 percent of the 22,000 registered units have complied with the consolidation requirements as of 2023.
It is important to note that failure to comply with the required consolidation will be considered “operating illegally.” This highlights the government’s commitment to enforcing the modernization program and ensuring that all PUVs meet the necessary standards for the benefit of both passengers and the environment.
However, the implementation of the PUVMP has not been without its challenges. Transport groups, led by the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operaytor Nationwide (Piston), have filed a petition challenging the legality of the program. The Office of the Solicitor General (SolGen), representing the Department of Transportation and the LTFRB, has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the petition, arguing that the petitioners did not adhere to the hierarchy of courts by not initially filing the petition with lower courts. The SolGen asserts that the Supreme Court should be the “last court of resort” in such matters.
The PUVMP is a significant initiative aimed at improving the public transportation system in the country. It seeks to address issues such as outdated vehicles, safety concerns, and environmental impact. While the program faces challenges and delays in its complete implementation, it is crucial to recognize the efforts being made to modernize the PUV fleet and provide better services to the commuting public.
In conclusion, the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program is a long-term endeavor that will require coordination between the LTFRB, LGUs, and transport cooperatives. The completion of the Local Public Transport Route Plan and the consolidation of units per route are essential steps that will take time to finalize. However, despite the challenges, the program aims to enhance the public transportation system, improve passenger safety, and reduce the environmental impact of PUVs. It is a significant step towards a more efficient and sustainable transportation network in the country.
Source: The Manila Times
