DOTr won’t drop bid to modernize jeepneys

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is not dropping the Duterte administration’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) despite delaying its plan to phase out 170,000 old jeepneys, an official clarified yesterday.

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said despite the considerations given to PUV operators, the DOTr would push through with its bid to modernize jeepneys to provide safer and more convenient commutes for the riding public.

Tugade made the statement following Senate deliberations Wednesday on the proposed P147-million budget of the DOTr for next year, where the department supposedly announced that it is no longer pushing for the jeepney modernization program.

The DOTr denied making such statement.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said the PUVMP “remains on track” despite waiving the initial deadline set for PUV operators to modernize their jeepneys.

On Wednesday night, the DOTr allowed old jeepneys to ply the roads even after the transition period next year, provided they pass road worthiness standards.

The DOTr said jeepneys may continue to operate based on their emissions, safety and engine worthiness.

“If old jeepneys will pass the Motor Vehicle Inspection System, PUV operators will be issued provisional authority to operate for one year. Matapos ang isang taon ay kinakailangan muli nilang sumalang sa computerized MVIS check,” the DOTr said.

Jeepney operators must submit their petition for consolidation before the June 30, 2020 deadline for inclusion  into the PUVMP.

If a PUV operator fails to secure a provisional authority as the “prior operator rule” will no longer be recognized, the route would be opened to other cooperatives that were able to modernize their jeepney units, according to the DOTr.

The DOTr’s modernization program, which was launched in 2017 to rationalize the public transport system, requires PUV operators to replace their old jeepneys with Euro-4 powered units.