BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – It may be unpopular to many jeepney operators, but modernizing the public transport is crucial for developing cities, said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Despite the backlash from various transport sectors, Treñas said he supports the public transport modernization program (PTMP).
He pointed out that the replacement of old jeepneys with newer, more environment-friendly vehicles will enhance the overall public transportation system in Iloilo City.
“For me, this program was well-thought-of. Some issues need to be addressed such as expensive units,” Treñas said during his press briefing yesterday.
While he acknowledges the reluctance of some transport operators to the program, the mayor said the government should address those concerns, including the high cost of modern units and existing policies of the agencies tasked to implement the program.
While he supports the program, the mayor said the city government is still ready to comply with the order should the President approve the recommendation of the Senate to suspend the modernization program.
During the Senate Committee on Public Services hearing recently, Senate President Francis Escudero recommended the suspension of the PUV modernization program to enable the agencies to provide solutions to the problems, including the high cost of modern units.
Escudero said that Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, Senator JV Ejercito, and committee chair Senator Raffy Tulfo supported his proposal. “Majority of the Senate supports the suspension of this modernization program,” he said.
Escudero had been opposing the PUVMP, citing the need to review the program to prevent the loss of the livelihood of jeepney drivers and operators.
For his part, Tulfo said he would file a resolution seeking to suspend the PUV modernization program, which aims to replace old jeepneys and other public utility vehicles with safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly models.
In Iloilo City, several transport groups are planning to conduct a transport holiday should the Senate pursue its plan to suspend the modernization program.
The Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations, Inc. (WVATCCI) announced its plan to go on a transport strike if the government postpones the program.
The transport operators that oppose the suspension of the modernization program said that many operators have already invested significantly in upgrading their fleets in anticipation of the modernization program.
Hence, they said that suspending the program could jeopardize these investments and create financial instability.
The operators said they genuinely supported the overall goals of the modernization program, such as reducing air pollution and enhancing urban mobility. Thus, suspending the program could be seen as a setback to these broader societal benefits.
They also pointed out that changes or suspensions in policy can create uncertainty, making it difficult for operators to plan and make informed business decisions. The operators also fear that a suspension will stall progress and innovation in the industry.
To maintain trust and encourage compliance, the operators called on policymakers to engage in meaningful dialogue with transport operators and other stakeholders to address their concerns.
The LTFRB in Western Visayas reported a 72.2 percent franchise consolidation rate. In Iloilo City, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) approved 25 rationalized routes out of the original 35 routes before the approval of the LPTRP.
Out of 2,535 traditional jeepneys in the city, the DOTr authorized 1,782 modern jeepneys to ply these 25 approved rationalized routes comprising old and new routes.
The 1,782 approved units have been allocated to 14 transport cooperatives and two corporations./PN
