More than 100k drivers, operators accredited for PUVMP —DOTr-OTC

More than a hundred thousand public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators were accredited for the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP), the Department of Transportation-Office of Transportation Cooperatives (DOTr-OTC) said Tuesday.

A total of 1,131 transport cooperatives with 110,909 drivers and operators have been accredited for the PUVMP based on latest data from the DOTr-OTC.

“We are urging all transport groups to follow these cooperatives who are ready to adhere to the requirements of modernizing their franchise. The number of transport cooperatives is increasing which shows that many drivers and operators support government's call for a safer and better transportation system for our commuters,” Transportation Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Steve Pastor said in a statement.

The number of transport cooperatives has almost tripled from the reported 429 groups prior to the PUVMP launch last 2017, according to Pastor.

The DOTr is confident in the continuous increase in PUMP-compliant cooperatives leading to the June 2020 deadline for the full implementation of the program, the Transportation official said.

“Drivers will benefit from putting up cooperatives as they will now become operators as well. Apart from monthly salaries and benefits such as SSS and PhilHealth, they will also earn from the profit of the cooperative. We strongly urge our drivers and operators to register now as a cooperative,” Pastor said.

The consolidation of fleets under a cooperative is among the salient features of the PUVMP. The program also allows cooperatives, instead of drivers and operators, to borrow from banks that offer financial assistance to comply with the PUVMP.

Pastor added that while the June deadline for the PUVMP is set, the DOTr has given consideration to individual PUV drivers and transport groups that will not be able to fully modernized by June 2020.

“Those who will not be able to comply with the PUVMP by June 2020 will still be granted probationary authority to operate for one year, but on two conditions. First, they must submit a certification from LTO (Land Transportation Office) that their vehicles are roadworthy. Second, their transport groups must file for consolidation of franchise,” he said. — MDM, GMA News