The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is on track to fully implement the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), with a plan to start acquiring modern jeepneys by 2027.
The PUV consolidation, which is the program’s first phase, ended last April 30 with 83 percent consolidation rate, according to Andy Ortega, DOTr undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure.
The DOTr said several financial institutions are willing to help cooperatives finance the acquisition of modern vehicles. Some car manufacturers are applying for accreditation.
“The program is moving forward, we are waiting for full implementation,” Ortega said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
The program’s next phase is the route rationalization or Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), in which the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB ) will work with local government units (LGUs) in finalizing the number of vehicles that will be allowed per route. This is slated to be completed in two years.
The LPTRP details the route network, mode and required number of PUVs per mode for delivering land transport service, which shall be the minimum requirement prescribed for the issuance of PUV franchises.
Under Department Order No. 2023-002 dated Dec. 29, 2023, the LPTRP involves the identification of public transport supply gaps and the planning of complex route networks.
When asked to comment on the Senate’s push to suspend the PUVMP’s implementation, Ortega said transport cooperatives that joined the consolidation are expected to strongly oppose the suspension.
“On the part of DOTr, we are preparing for our answer, to clarify…the true status of the public transport modernization program,” he said.
Transport cooperatives have planned to conduct a series of actions to express their opposition to the proposed suspension of the program.
Around 160,000 out of 191,730 PUVs nationwide have joined the PUV consolidation.
