The Department of Transportation (DOTr) yesterday said it will allow old public utility vehicles (PUVs) to temporarily operate beyond the June 2020 deadline to modernize all PUVs as long as these pass the roadworthiness test.
Arthur Tugade, DOTr secretary, said in a statement the government is on track for full implementation of the PUV modernization program by June 2020, amid some false reports that the program will be discontinued.
The DOTr said it is giving consideration to operators of old PUV units that should they fail to modernize their units by July 2020, they will be temporarily allowed to provide public transport service through a provisional authority (PA) effective only for one year.
However, their old units must pass the roadworthiness test of the computerized Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) which will not involve any human intervention, the agency added.
The DOTr also said operators of old jeepney units that passed the MVIS still need to file for consolidation and express their intent to modernize, to drop and substitute their units.
“If not, then their routes will be opened up to new operators. If they don’t file a petition and they don’t modernize, their PA will be cancelled,” the DOTr said.
By June 30, 2020, PUV operators intent on seeking a PA while awaiting the modernization of their units are expected to have submitted a petition for consolidation.
The DOTr said it is pushing for PUV modernization to provide commuters a safe, convenient and comfortable travel; promote an environment-friendly road transport service; uplift the livelihood of both operators and drivers; and improve the overall road transport industry in the country.
Recently, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board conducted a modern PUV caravan in Ormoc City in the Visayas region.
Central transportation cooperative was awarded three PAs to ply the following routes: Tacloban to V&G Phase 4 Ext. 2B (10 units), Tacloban to V&G Phase 2 & 3 (5 units) and Tacloban to V&G phase 3 & 6 (5 units)
The caravan aims to showcase a variety of PUV modernization program compliant units and get the support of industry stakeholders across the country — the drivers, operators and the riding public.
The PUV modernization program is the flagship, non-infrastructure project of the Duterte administration with the goal of providing a comfortable life for all Filipinos through a safe, reliable, convenient, affordable and environmentally-sustainable public transportation system in the country.
