The Urgency of Transport Modernization
It's worth noting that the Philippines has for so long been left out in the modernization of mass transport compared to its neighboring countries. Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore enjoy the convenience of a seamless and an integrated mode of transport system while the Philippines on the other hand is still struggling to even decide and implement an accurate form of mass transport that will suit the Filipino commuter. It cannot be denied that the congestion has led to a lot of problems. It is high time for us to actually do something about it. This is not about the convenience of the commuters anymore. This is also about helping our economy grow and saving the environment.
While the National Capital suffers from the inadequacy of public transport and the inefficiency of the MRT, Cebu, on the other hand, has not been awarded a mass transport system despite the fact that in the 90's the idea was heavily lobbied by a Congressman as a "must do" to avert Cebu from future traffic congestions.
The Philippine Government is irresolute on these problems maybe because of the complexities of politics. Our land transport system is run by politicians. The old system of Jeepneys and Buses is so outdated that it has become more unsafe than inconvenient. Transport groups can't be bothered to upkeep their vehicles because they are sensitive to the cost. Change is always met by a threat to hold a transport strike.
Public transports in our neighboring countries like Japan and Singapore are owned by Government Linked Companies, making it easier to streamline improvements and upgrades. Meanwhile, our present land transport agency is struggling to upgrade the MRT with what was left by the past administration.
While the implementation of a mass transport in Cebu is indeed a welcome initiative for the majority of the commuters,it is far from perfect. The implementation of mass transit system will bring a halt to the outdated Jeepneys and the loss of jobs. But clearly, the pros outweigh the cons.
On the other side of the fence is the Jeepney Modernization Program. For this program to be successful, both parties (the government and the transport groups) must come up with a win-win solution. There are definitely rooms for improvement in the areas of job opportunities for those who may get displaced.
To Government has already earmarked funds to help the operators and the drivers through the transition. The Dept. of Transportation has partnered with the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines to provide the program's lending facility. Loans under the program carry a 6-percent interest and is payable within seven years.The government has also set aside an initial subsidy of P2.2 billion.
The Government is clearly on the right path to modernizing the transport system. The question is always, When?
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