Transport groups launch coalition vs. gov’t policies

The National Public Transport Coalition was launched in Quezon City on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. Joviland Rita

A coalition of transport groups has been launched that aims to examine government policies on transportation in Quezon City on Wednesday.

The National Public Transport Coalition (NPTC) is composed of transport groups from taxi, jeepney, transport network vehicle services, motorcycle taxi, UV Express, tricycle, bus, and truck operations.

During the launch, the NPTC expressed fervent opposition against policies on privatization using the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) for common carriers, especially making Euro 4 the emissions standard.

“Ninety-nine percent of vehicles in the Philippines are Euro 3 and below, thus, most common carriers will not pass the MVIS. Euro 4 standard is a deemed implementation of year-model phase out,” it said in its manifesto.

“MVIS is implemented to ensure road safety. Roadworthiness should be the criteria, and not Euro 4 standard,” it added.

The coalition criticized the MVIS fees amounting to P5,000 or more annually for jeepney, bus, and truck operators.

NPTC is pushing the government to make the coalition a part of the policy-making and technical working group for the PUV modernisation program.

The group also wants a continuous, open, honest, and responsive dialogue with the government, NPTC said. — BM, GMA News