Gov’t allots P843 M for PUV modernization

The government has allocated P843 million for next year to jumpstart the nationwide implementation of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said yesterday.

He said the amount has been included in the 2018 budget of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“It is a highly constructive program overall. The government is basically stepping in to assure the public a better way to commute in the years ahead, while giving PUV operators and drivers the opportunity to upgrade their vehicles,” he said.

Pimentel added the operation of PUVs on public roads is a privilege granted by the government.

“This is why we have a franchising system. Those who are in the business of running PUVs have to live up to higher operating standards to ensure that commuters are safely, efficiently and conveniently transferred,” Pimentel stressed.

He pointed out the modernization program is also expected to create jobs in the automotive industry, a key sector of the economy, and curb pollution.

“There’s no question the shift to lowemission vehicles will help reduce pollutants and improve air quality in a big way,” he said.

Under the program, all PUVs that are 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, WiFi internet connectivity, global positioning system (GPS) tracking devices and speed limiters.

A combined P2.5-billion special financing plan from two state-run banks will extend lowcost loans to enable PUV operators and drivers to acquire the newly designed passenger buses, vans and jeepneys, Pimentel said.

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

The modernization program also reforms the franchising system to strengthen control over and regulation of PUVs, he said.

He added that fewer new franchises would be issued to PUV operators and drivers who would be compelled to organize themselves into cooperatives or firms to build up accountability, enforcement and compliance.

Pimentel explained that in the case of jeepneys, each operator must have a minimum of 10 units to obtain a single franchise.

Thus, drivers running their own units would have to consolidate themselves into groups of at least 10 members to get a franchise, he said.

He said the DOTr is expected to draw up new PUV routes in consultation with local government units.

The modernization program has become controversial owing to the strong opposition of militant jeepney operators and drivers grouped under the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston), which has vowed to stage monthly transport strikes unless President Duterte talks to them.

In response, the President has warned that PUVs of defiant operators and drivers would be towed away and impounded.