Transport leaders back PUVMP -- DOTR

The Department of Transportation DOTR on Wednesday said that the PUV Modernization Program received support from major national transport groups.

The agency claimed that the transport groups' members described their personal experiences in modernizing their PUV fleet.

DOTR said leaders of Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go Transport Coalition, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas as well as UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines said implementation of the PUVMP is long overdue, stressing that commuters will vastly benefit from the program.

Pasang Masda National President Obet Martin said the PUVMP is focused on serving commuters by providing safe and convenient public transport.

"Kaming lahat po ay sumusuporta sa isang napaka-ayos at napakagandang programa ng pamahalaan. [ Ang PUVMP] ay makapagdudulot ng ligtas na paglalakbay sa ating mananakay at convenience sa kanilang pagsakay. Ika nga’y tinatawag nating sila ay nasa isang modernong sasakyan kung saan matagal nang minimithi ng ating mga kababayan na magkaroon ng magandang sasakyan,” Martin said.

Orlando Marquez, LTOP President, said their group has been supporting the modernization of PUVs since 1997.

“Nakasuporta po ako sa modernization simula pa 1997. Ipinapa-abot ko ang suporta sa administrasyon ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. Kaya ngayon sinasabi namin dito sa Magnificent 7, nakasuporta kay Secretary

Bautista, LTFRB Chairman Guadiz at sa Pangulo,” he said.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautisa explained that while the program focuses on the safety and convenience of commuters, the government will also extend its assistance to affected PUV operators and drivers during the program’s transition period.

He added that DOTR is determined to implement the PUVMP.

“Ang program talaga ang focus ay ano ba yung magbibigay o magdudulot ng kabutihan sa ating mga mananakay. Pero hindi rin natin kakalimutan ang responsibilidad sa mga drivers, sa mga operators,” the transport chief said.

"Malaking bagay po na yung malalaking transport groups na talagang experienced organizations ay sumusuporta sa PUVMP. Ang DOTr, together with the LTFRB, are determined to implement the program," he added.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier issued a circular allowing PUV operators and drivers without consolidated TSE (transport service entities) to continue to operate until January 31, 2024.