Looking out for commuters
Stakeholders must give a chance for the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program to be implemented. The challenges are worth taking on, given the opportunities for bringing about safer and more efficient service for commuters, enforcement of and compliance with laws and regulations, and better accountability of PUV operators and drivers.
The focus for the phased program are presently public utility jeepneys (PUJs); however, the program’s scope also covers other PUVs, such as pedicabs, tricycles, buses and vehicles-for-hire (VHires) or UV Express vehicles, which affect public welfare.
According to a Department of Transportation (DOTr) 2014 study, jeepneys, tricycles, and motorcycles, in this declining order, account for the “most used modes” for transportation in Metro Manila, with walking topping the list, reported the Rappler news website on Oct. 17.
The modern jeepney models unveiled during the Oct. 12 expo in Manila organized by the DOTr and the Department of Trade and Industry have features that are environmentally-friendly and safety-conscious.
The modern jeepneys run on Euro 4 compliant diesel engines or electric batteries. The former discharges “68 percent less particulate matter, 57 percent less nitrogen oxides and 50 percent less carbon monoxide,” while the former have “zero exhaust gas emissions,” stated Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel (PDP-Laban) in a news release.
Keeping the emissions low will reduce pollutants and improve air quality.
The safety features of the modern jeepneys include digital security and dashboard cameras, wi-fi Internet connectivity, GPS tracking devices and speed limiters.
A retractable ramp on the side of the modern PUJ will ease commuting for the disabled dependent on wheelchairs.
An automated fare collection system uses the tap smartcard that is currently used at Metro Manila’s three rail trains (LRT1, LRT2, and MRT3) and selected bus lines. Commuters can load or reload the card, which is usable within four years of its date of purchase.
The “Beep” stored value card will remove from the driver the distraction of receiving the fare and making change. There will also be no need for jeepney “dispatchers” or “barkers.” An automated fare collection system also reduces opportunities for drivers to overcharge passengers.
Reloading of the cards is at PUV terminals and several commercial outlets authorized as Bayad Centers by the government. Registration will enable PWDs and the elderly to avail themselves of the fare discounts.
Conforming to government standards, local manufacturers will assemble the modern PUJ units. In this way, the automobile industry will be boosted by the PUV Modernization Program.
The program will also introduce changes in franchising and operating PUVs. To be given a new franchise, a PUJ operator must have at least 10 units of the modern jeepneys. Each unit costs approximately P1 million.
Persons driving their own PUJs must join groups with at least 10 members to get a franchise.
Limiting the new PUJ franchises will reduce the PUJs on the road and contribute to decongesting traffic. The incentive to organize into cooperatives may motivate PUJ drivers to self-regulate, as observed among the Ikot and Toki jeepney drivers serving the University of the Philippines Diliman and nearby communities.
Nationwide PUJ strikes expressed the opposition of the transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) to the modernization plan. Jeepney operators and drivers criticize the steep cost of replacing old units with the modern jeepneys.
A government P2.5-billion special financing plan from two state-run banks will extend low-cost loans and may address the operators and drivers’ fear of losing their livelihood.
However, the government must balance their concerns with the welfare of commuters and the greater public good of solving the traffic problem.