Number of PUVs to be adjusted in PUV modernization program

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday launched the PUV modernization program which will adjust the number of jeepneys on the road.

According to a report on Unang Balita on Tuesday by Susan Enriquez, aside from phasing out jeepneys 15 years old and up, the program will also have a rationalization scheme that will address the number of public utility vehicles per route.

Depending on the need for rides, the DOTr, in cooperation with the local government, will increase or decrease the number of PUVs plying certain routes.

The scheme is also expected to check the proliferation of colorum vehicles.

To be included in the scheme are new PUVs that are Euro 4 compliant and run on renewable energy.

These new PUVs are required to pass a higher safety standard, with entrance and exit doors placed along the sides of vehicles and not at the back to ensure the safety of commuters.

Protest

The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) on Monday staged a protest action against the modernization scheme.

"Mababaon lang sa utang ang ating mga maliliit na operator at driver at kawawa ang ating mga pasahero dahil kapag pinatupad na 'yang huwad na modernization program na 'yan, magreresulta y'an sa palagiang pagtaas ng pasahe," George San Mateo, PISTON national president, said.

The Philippine Confederation of Drivers and Operators-ACTO, meanwhile, said it will rely on what DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade said before.

"Sa amin, pinanghahawakan ko 'yung black and white ni Secretary na walang phaseout. Modernization. Kaya ang inaano natin diyan ay gradual. Ibig sabihin, unahin natin 'yung talagang luma na pagkatapos unti-unti nating alisin 'yung talagang mausok na," said Efren de Luna, president of PCDO-ACTO.

Tugade appealed for understanding, saying the program will ensure commuters' safety.

"Kabuhayan ho, pabor kami diyan. Pero sana intindihin natin ang kabuhayan na ating gustong gawin ay hindi nakaaalis, at nakakasira ng buhay," he said. —KG/KVD, GMA News