Bulacan has dibs on modern jeepneys
This is the first route in Bulacan that is being utilized by the new jeepneys under the modernization program
MARILAO, Bulacan — A total of 16 new jeepneys under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) of the government has started their route Sampol Bulac to Santa Maria to Meycauayan of this province on Saturday.
According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Enforcement Head Jesus Sison, this is the first route in Bulacan that is being utilized by the new jeepneys under the modernization program.
Under the system of the PUVMP of the LTFRB, old jeepneys with lifespans that have exceeded 15 years are not allowed to operate in the streets as PUV. Sison said that there is a need to replace those jeepneys with these new units to comply with the Philippine National Standards, including the use of engines running with Euro 4 diesel.
LTFRB Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon said that there is a need to establish a cooperative in a particular route of jeepneys to ensure that all operating PUV in that route would take part in the modernization program. These will ensure that all jeepneys operating in that particular route would be new units.
A total of P1.5 billion is being appropriated by the Land Bank of the Philippines for the PUVMP of the LTFRB, wherein the bank will lend the money to buy new units.
The loan will have no interest and is payable up to seven years. Aside from this, there is an P80,000 subsidy by the government for every driver of these new jeepneys to help alleviate the payment of amortization.
The bureau is targeting June 2020 as the completion date for the implementation of the PUVMP in primary jeepney routes in the province like Baliwag-Meycauayan, Malolos-Meycauayan, Malolos-Malinta, Malolos-BBB, including jeepneys from neighboring towns of Malolos.