Jeepney group seeks dialogue with Duterte

MANILA -- The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) is seeking a dialogue with President Rodrigo Duterte amid concerns that the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) might lead to the displacement of jeepney drivers and operators.

The transport group is asking the government to put on hold the implementation of the PUVMP and review its guidelines.

“We are asking specifically for a framework that will enable a nationalized, efficient and affordable public transportation system in the country. The government should not modernize public transport in favor of large companies and monopolies as this would lead to the disenfranchisement of jeepney operators and drivers,” Piston national president George San Mateo said in a television interview.

While it welcomes the vision of the government for an environmentally sustainable mode of transport to commuters, Piston said their members do not have the capability to acquire new units to comply with the PUVMP.

“Who does not want to have modern and environment friendly jeepneys? The problem is it is very costly and you need to

have a minimum of 10 units to be granted a franchise. Small operators do not have the capability to maintain that,” San Mateo said.

The transport group said it would continue to hold its protest actions until the President and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) decide to have a dialogue with them.

For her part, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada said several major transport groups are supporting the PUVMP and not joining Piston’s transport strike today and Tuesday. PNA