TWO-HUNDRED members of the Federation of Land Transportation of Zamboanga (Feltranz) on Monday, October 16, conducted a noise barrage in support to the nationwide transport strike.
This, as the transport operations remain normal in the city on since Feltranz did not join the nationwide transport strike.
The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) on Monday holds a nationwide transport strike in protest against the government's plan to implement the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) as it might lead to the displacement of jobs of jeepney drivers and operators.
The noise barrage held through blowing of horns lasted for about 20-minutes, according to Feltrans president Eduardo Mingala.
The Feltranz comprises of 48 associations of jeepney drivers and associations based in this city.
Mingala said they support the conduct of the nationwide transport strike as they are also against the government jeepney modernization program.
Jeepney units that are 15 years old will be replaced with Euro four engines or electrically-powered engines with solar panels for roofs once the PUVMP will be implemented.
These will also be equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system, an Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), speed limiters, dashboard cameras, and Wi-Fi.
Mingala said there will be displacement of drivers and operators as the new unit of vehicles with all the gadgets cost more than a million pesos, which an ordinary operator can't afford to purchase despite there will be P80,000 subsidy from the government.
He said what could be done is modification of the PUV instead of replacement and the P80,000 subsidy can be given to the vehicle operator to modify their vehicle.