By Janine Dumaguin
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista told the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to find ways to make the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) regulations flexible to suit all transport providers and drivers.
Bautista said that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has contacted PUV drivers and operators to discuss concerns over the upgrading of jeepneys.
“We are willing to bend backwards, suggesting to the board of LTFRB to relax the requirements to enable drivers to adopt to the program,” he said.
“We even offered to dialogue with drivers associations displeased with the PUVMP to explore how they can be accommodated into the program,” he added.
He said the PUVMP will pave the way for a reliable, comfortable, and safe road transportation system.
“The program envisions a restructured, modern, well-managed, and environmentally sustainable transport sector where drivers and operators have stable, sufficient, and dignified livelihoods while commuters get to their destinations quickly, safely and comfortably,” he said.
The DOTr said there are at least 1,156 cooperatives, corporations, and other consolidated companies with consolidated franchises operating 98,801 jeepney units as of February 25.
There are also 406 consolidated entities operating 14,289 franchised utility vehicle express units.
As of January 2023, at least 1,715 cooperatives with 261,853 members have been accredited by the Office of Transportation Cooperatives.
There are also 6,814 units of modern PUVs already traveling more than 400 routes. -ag
