CLARK, Pampanga — The PUV modernization program, the biggest transformational initiative of the Duterte administration, is gaining steam with 484 transport cooperatives formed within a year of implementation.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are currently processing over 400 applications from cooperatives, as part of effective industry consolidation. This strategic merging of smaller transport industry players aims to give drivers and operator better access to funding and other benefits.
The DOTr-LTFRB has set up a One-Stop-Shop (OSS) facility in Mandaluyong City, which houses different government agencies for faster and efficient processing of franchise and new route applications, among others.
“The scale and the impact of this program is huge. At ito po talaga, direkta na mararamdaman ng mga kababayan natin. Mas mabilis, mas maginhawa, at mas ligtas na ang kanilang pag-biyahe. Kaya kahit marami pong pagsubok sa implementasyon nito, hinding-hindi po natin yan susukuan (This is directly felt by our fellowmen. Commuting is faster, more convenient, and safe. We won’t give up on this, no matter how challenging its implementation could be),” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
Apart from consolidating franchises, the DOTr-LTFRB is also currently in the process of identifying and studying new and developmental routes all over the country.
As of September 17, 2018, 49 out of 59 batches have finished the two-part course in drafting the Local Public Transportation Route Plan. The route plan is tasked to the local government units (LGUs), who are in a better position to identify local public transport service requirements. Capacity Building is expected to conclude on October 5, 2018.
“From the start, we have been campaigning for better public transport and accessibility options for the public. We have been engaging our LGUs to help us move things forward. They know the needs of their constituents better because they are on the ground, and with this, we hope that all routes nationwide will be properly served,” DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport Mark Richmund de Leon said.
Since its launch last year, the PUVMP has opened 15 operational routes for modern jeepneys in the National Capital Region, Region VI (Western Visayas) and Region VIII (Eastern Visayas). (DOTr PR/PNA)
