1447-M earmarked for PUV modernization

For all its perceived faults, the proposed 13.757-trillion national budget for 2019 wasn't about to leave the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) sector high and dry.

Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel bared that some 1447 million was allocated for the PUV Modernization Program under the budget.

“The fresh funding is on top of the 1843 million allotted this year to support the program,” said Pimentel, a House Appropriations Commit-

tee member.

“The government is likewise arranging to provide another 12.2 billion in low-cost financing to help PUV operators and drivers acquire the newly configured buses, vans and jeepneys under the program,” he noted.

Once available, the 12.2 billion will be coursed through two state-owned lenders – the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines – at 11.1 billion each, according to Pimentel.

The Mindanao solon said the 1 2.2-billion fund is lodged in the “unprogrammed appropriations” of the proposed 13.757-trillion budget next year.

Unprogrammed appropriations “provide standby authority to incur additional agency obligations for priority programs or projects when revenue collection exceed targets, and when additional grants or foreign funds are generated,” according to the Department of Budget and Management.

“We have very high hopes that the modernization program, once completed, will offer the public an easier and safer way to commute in the years ahead, while enabling PUV operators and drivers to upgrade their vehicles,” Pimentel said.

“There’s also no question the program will help improve air quality, because the new PUVs are meant to comply with lower emission standards,” said Pimentel, who is also a member of the House Transportation Committee.

The Partido Demokratiko PilipinoLakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) stalwart also said he is counting on the program to help spur new jobs in the automotive sector.

Program targets Officially launched only in June, 2017, the PUV Modernization Program is being put into action by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Under the program, all PUVs more than 15 years old will be phased out and replaced with new models equipped with automated fare collection systems, digital security, and dashboard cameras, Wi-Fi Internet connectivity, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices and speed limiters.

The new PUVs will run either on electric batteries with zero exhaust gas emissions, or on Euro 4 compliant diesel engines that discharge 68 percent less particulate matter, 57 percent less nitrogen oxides, and 50 percent less carbon monoxide.

The modernization program also reforms the franchising system to reinforce regulatory supervision of PUVs.

To build up accountability, enforcement and compliance, fewer new franchises will be issued to PUV operators and drivers who will be required to form themselves into cooperatives or firms.

In the case of jeepneys, for instance, each operator must have a minimum of 10 units to obtain a single franchise. Thus, drivers running their own units will have to band themselves into groups of at least 10 members to secure a franchise.

Under the program, the DOTr will draw up new PUV routes in consultation with local government units. An academy will also help reinstruct PUV operators and drivers on basic road discipline, courtesy, and safety.