The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday, Nov. 20, reassures jeepney operators and drivers that "no one gets left behind" in the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The reassurance was made after PISTON launched a three-day transport strike on Monday, Nov. 20 to air protest on the PUVMP.
In a statement, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista clarified several misconceptions about the program, which he said became a source of protest among transportation groups.
"I tried talking to PISTON President Ka Mody Floranda since returning from my trip with President Marcos Jr. Sunday, so I can correct misconceptions on the PUV Modernization program," Bautista said.
Some of the clarifications mentioned are as follows:
- December 31, 2023 is deadline for consolidation; NOT for the replacement of traditional jeepneys.
- NO PHASE-OUT of traditional jeepneys after Dec. 31, 2023. Traditional units that are deemed read worthy may continue to operate.
- High coast of modern jeepnets will be assisted through special loans from LandBank and DBPplus equity subsidy from LTFRB amounting to P210,000 to P280,000.
- Drivers and operators are not forced to buy P2-million modern jeepneys, atleast 10 models of modern jeepneys, including those manufacturers, have different price ranges.
- Many have already complied with the program. More than 5,000 routes with 135,761 consolidated franchises have been approved, operated by 1,838 cooperatives and consolidated companies.
- A recent survey showed over half of Filipinos support the modernization program.
The DOTr Secretary expressed his hopes for the resolution of the issue.
"I still believe we can resolve the issues through honest communication. We have been finetuning the program according to the voices of transport groups. Let us work together. Let us move forward," Bautista said.
"In the PUV Modernization Program, we ensure no one gets left behind," he concluded the statement.
Meanwhile, the DOTr Secretary acknowledged inter-agency task force, as well as various local government units, for providing assistance to affected commuters amid the first day of the jeepney strike.
"I am grateful to the inter-agency task force that meticulously prepared counter-measures to offset any travel inconvenience arising from today's jeepney strike staged by PISTON," Bautista said.
"Free rides and other public transport augmentation measures from various agencies limited the effects of the strike. According to the Metro Manila Development Authority, they readied 686 vehicles for free rides but only 66 were used," he added.
