PUV modernization program to push through Dec. 31 deadline

The Philippine government has announced that the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program’s (PUVMP) December 31, 2023 deadline for consolidating PUV operators is final. It will no longer see extensions, and it will be fully implemented on January 1, 2024. 

The deadline for consolidation is on December 31, 2023. As of this writing, the government will no longer extend this deadline. [Photo: Bahnfrend]

This statement comes from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos himself. The same talking points supporting the PUVMP deadline were made by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

As a response to this decision, various PUV groups like Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) and Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (MANIBELA) have held a series of transport strikes spanning several days throughout December 2023. On top of the strikes, various PUV groups are also holding protests against implementing the PUVMP.

Nevertheless, the government argues that the PUVMP has been a long time coming and that it is high time to change PUVs for the better. As per LTFRB, the focus of the PUVMP is the welfare of commuters. This is because modernized PUVs are seen as safer, more environmentally friendly, and more efficient than old jeepneys. 

To implement the PUVMP, operators have been directed to consolidate into cooperatives or groups - a matter of contention amongst PUV drivers and operators for a myriad of reasons. Some have also expressed their opposing position against the modernized jeepney, citing prohibitively expensive costs of acquisition and maintenance. 

According to data released by the LTFRB as of December 12, 2023, only 11,405 units out of 42,245 (27 percent) have consolidated. Out of 840 routes, only 242 (28.8 percent) are operated by consolidated transport entities.

In response to the looming PUVMP consolidation deadline, several transport groups have been holding strikes. [Photo: Ryomaandres]

However, The DOTr said that those numbers are expected to swell as the deadline approaches. The agency is likewise confident that there will be enough PUVs by 2024. It has also continued to assert that a “transport crisis” isn’t likely. 

For those who are unable or have refused to consolidate, their franchises will be revoked by January 1, 2024. Meanwhile, consolidated units will be given special permits on routes without consolidation. 

To make this work and ensure an appropriate supply of PUV services, the LTFRB and the DOTr will be tapping the aid of local government units (LGUs). Meanwhile, other “secondary” routes not covered by consolidated PUV groups will be catered to by buses, tricycles, and other forms of public transport. 

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