BACOLOD City – A team from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has begun a week-long study in Bacolod to assess the city’s implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) and address the concerns of transport groups and commuters.
The study, which started on September 8, aims to evaluate the challenges and improvements needed in the program, which the national government is piloting in selected areas across the country.
In a press conference, Mayor Greg Gasataya said the initiative is part of DOTr’s effort to assess and refine the modernization program for public utility vehicles (PUVs).
“They will start today, then they will come up with the report by Friday,” the mayor said, adding that he had requested the DOTr to coordinate with transport groups affected by the program.
Zion Yuson, Project Evaluation Officer IV of the DOTr, said Bacolod was chosen as one of the pilot areas due to its high compliance rate in the PTMP.
“DOTr is pouring more resources into improving the state of PTMP here. We want to address how we can better support the local government unit as well as the transport groups,” Yuson explained.
He admitted that the program’s rollout in the past was “not perfect,” citing several issues that need improvement. Through the study, the agency hopes to identify solutions and set clearer directions for stakeholders.
Bacolod joins Mandaue, Antipolo, Baguio, and General Santos as one of the five pilot cities for the modernization program.
Yuson noted that Bacolod has a relatively higher compliance rate compared to other areas, with many transport operators already consolidated and a significant number of modernized PUV units deployed — progress that has been recognized by the DOTr Central Office.
He said the week-long data gathering will provide a clearer picture of Bacolod’s situation and help the agency determine further steps to strengthen the program./PN
