DOTr admits challenges in PUVMP’s route rationalization

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Saturday admitted challenges in proceeding with the next stage of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which is the route rationalization stage.

To recall, in August last year, the DOTr announced that the PUVMP has entered the route rationalization stage after over 80% of PUVs have complied with the franchise consolidation process. 

The consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations is the initial stage of the PUVMP.

The next stage is the Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRP), which involves the formulation of route networks by local government units (LGUs) as well as the number of units and mode of service in an identified route.

It also serves as the basis for the issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience to PUV operators. 

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency, along with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), has so far approved “more or less 31%” of route rationalization plans proposed by LGUs.

Lopez added that the DOTr and the LTFRB are still looking into more than 70% of proposed LPTRPs.

The acting Transport chief, however, said that there are still many challenges in the route rationalization stage such as how to reconcile intercity and interregional service routes with LGUs.

“Andaming mga ruta na sinasabi nating unserviced routes. Madami din namang mga ruta na punong puno naman ang sasakyan kaya ito ang sinasabi, we have to be scientific,” he said.

(There are many routes called unserviced routes. There are also many routes that are full of vehicles, so this is what we say we have to be scientific.)

Started in 2017, the PTMP aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution. It also aims to replace units that are not deemed roadworthy.

A modern jeepney unit costs over P2 million, an amount that even state-run banks LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines said was too expensive for PUV drivers and operators.

After the April 30, 2024 deadline for consolidation, unconsolidated PUVs were deemed "colorum" or operating without a franchise.

The application for the consolidation was reopened from October 15 to November 29, 2024.

In May, the DOTr reopened the application for franchise consolidation of PUV operators.

The order covers public utility jeepney and UV Express operators who failed to consolidate or have pending applications or motions to accept consolidation and have units confirmed with the LTFRB and registered with the Land Transportation Office for the year 2023 or 2024. —Ted Cordero/ VAL, GMA Integrated News