Government Emphasizes Careful Steps in Public Transport Modernization Program
Malacañang has reaffirmed its commitment to the Public Transport Modernization Program but highlights the urgent need to better prepare jeepney drivers and operators before moving forward. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro shared this following Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon’s admission that the program, previously known as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, is currently “not viable” in its present form.
During a press briefing on June 4, the Palace official revealed that President Marcos responded positively to the concerns raised by Dizon. “Positibo naman po ang response ng ating Pangulo, at ayaw naman din po niyang pahirapan ang mga operators at mga jeepney drivers natin kung ipu-push po ito tapos parang pilit,” she said. Castro stressed the importance of thorough study to ensure smooth implementation: “Dapat po talagang aralin para po lahat po naman ay maging maayos ang takbo at pag-implement po ng programa na ito.”
Addressing Cooperative Formation and Financial Challenges
One major concern involves training drivers and operators to manage transport cooperatives effectively. Castro emphasized, “Hindi po pwedeng ‘O gawa kayo ng kooperatiba,’ and then that’s it. Ihahanda po natin ang mga concerned na tao.”
The issue of expensive modern vehicles and the financial burden of loan payments was also brought up. The government plans to engage additional suppliers to offer cheaper vehicles. “Pinaplano po na magkaroon pa po ng ibang suppliers… kung makakapagbigay sila ng mas murang sasakyan,” Castro explained. She added, “Kailangan din po na kayanin ng ating mga kababayan ang interest or yung pagbabayad sa utang.”
Route Rationalization and Local Government Coordination
Coordination with local government units (LGUs) is also critical to resolve issues such as inefficient jeepney routes. “May mga ruta po kasi naman hindi dinadaanan ng maraming jeepneys, so yun din po ay dapat isaayos with the LGUs,” Castro noted.
Although no official pause has been declared, the Palace press officer underscored that all stakeholders must be adequately prepared before advancing the next phase. “Tandaan po natin, tuloy pa rin po ang PUV Modernization Program. Ihanda lang po natin lahat ng mga stakeholders po dito,” she said.
Background and Ongoing Concerns
The Public Transport Modernization Program, launched in 2017, aims to replace old, unsafe jeepneys with safer, eco-friendly vehicles powered by Euro 4 or electric engines. It requires operators to form cooperatives or corporations to access financial assistance and route assignments.
While some sectors support the initiative, many transport groups argue the high cost of new vehicles — ranging from P2.5 million to P2.8 million — remains unaffordable for most small operators. Limited loan accessibility and the rising cost of living add to their struggles.
In a recent Commission on Appointments meeting, Transportation Secretary Dizon highlighted challenges such as banks halting loans for modernization efforts and a consolidation rate of only 40 percent.
For more news and updates on Public Transport Modernization Program, visit Filipinokami.com.