the start, not the end
vehicles equipped with more efficient engines. This, according to Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez, will help “clear the air… make commuting safer for the public, and contribute to a more rational public transport system.”
I also agree with Mr. Dominguez on the phaseout program’s aim to make “an important contribution to fighting climate change” and “help decongest our exhausted roads” and “make commuting a more pleasant activity for our bedraggled commuters.” But this early, I already foresee problems with “access” to the financing window.
I don’t agree with Mr. Dominguez that the Landbank financing window will actually make the modernization program more “affordable.” I believe affordability will be a problem, and consequently, down the road, I worry that loan default may be high.
Secondly, the “boundary” system is not likely to change, and high amortization costs may just prompt fare increases, costcutting by operators, and more cutthroat competition on roads by drivers. Already, public transport groups are claiming the modernization plan will just “bury” operators and drivers in debt.
On the positive note, the limits to access may just cut down the number of jeepneys on roads to just a fraction of the existing 220,000 units. This can help decongest our roads. Question is, by limiting the number of jeepneys as a matter of consequence, will we still have enough public utility vehicles on the road to meet rising commuting needs?
And this brings me to the argument that it may better for the government to invest in new mass transit systems rather than focus on modernizing jeepneys, at least in Metro Manila. Jeepney phaseout, in my opinion, is necessary. But, such an effort should be complemented by a renewed focus on mass transit, and not mere modernization of aging fleets.
A more efficient traffic scheme should also be considered.
If the present stop-go system of jeepneys, which allow multiple stops at short distances, will still be retained, then modernizing the jeepney fleet will do little to help improve traffic flow. We need to keep vehicles moving, and at faster rates. We need longer gaps between designated jeepney stops, and we need to strictly enforce loading and unloading regulations.
The challenge, I believe, is to be more creative with our solutions. Providing financing for fleet modernization is a big step forward, but it should be seen just as the start of something bigger and better with respect to urban development. Modernizing jeepneys is far from being the end- game. We need to boost capacity and improve throughput.