EDITORIAL - It's time to embrace the modern PUV system

Several transport groups are vehemently opposing the move to phase out old public utility jeepneys set to be implemented by the Duterte administration as part of its plan to modernize the country's mass transport system.

Branding the government's move as anti-poor that would only render many PUJ drivers jobless, members of the transport group PISTON launched a two-day nationwide protest last week against the planned Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

Under the program, PUJs that are 15 years old and above will be phased out beginning next year. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is set to start implementing the program in Metro Manila.

We cannot blame those in the transport sector who persistently resist the modernization program. The huge cost that it entails will surely be too much for the operators who will be expected to discharge many drivers since many of them can only afford to acquire few units to comply with the program.

However, while we understand their sentiments, their opposition should not be a hindrance to the program's implementation. The issue here is general welfare, which the government should go after regardless of how many in the transport sector will be affected.

The problem with them is that they seem to proclaim that the government is displacing them with the PUV Modernization Program, discounting the financial package that the government has prepared to help operators acquire new jeepney units.       

It's now high time for the country to espouse a modern PUV system. And the jeepney program is just one of the undertakings the government is pursuing for us to catch up with other countries where world-class public transport has long been the practice.

It's really sad that in this country, we remain stuck with being content to still embrace those old and dilapidated jeepneys while those in other countries have long been enjoying the benefit of modern public transport.