LTFRB launches PUV modernization program in Bacolod

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra (third from left) leads the ribbon cutting of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program along with Councilor Carl Lopez and Richard Osmeña, LTFRB regional director, at SM Atrium in Bacolod City Monday, October 28, 2019. LTFRB also showcases modern PUV units equipped with closed circuit television cameras, air-conditioned units, and cashless fare system.  (MAP)
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra (third from left) leads the ribbon cutting of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program along with Councilor Carl Lopez and Richard Osmeña, LTFRB regional director, at SM Atrium in Bacolod City Monday, October 28, 2019. LTFRB also showcases modern PUV units equipped with closed circuit television cameras, air-conditioned units, and cashless fare system. (MAP)

THE Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) launched the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) at the SM Atrium in Bacolod City Monday, October 28, 2019.

LTFRB Chairman lawyer Martin Delgra III said they held the Modern PUV Caravan to engage the transport cooperative directly on the ground so that they can choose the modern units that they want to apply.

“We’re looking at 22 routes covering to 2, 400 units in Bacolod City which was recommended by the local government in partnership with the DOTr (Department of Transportation) and LTFRB for the city’s Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP),” he said.

He added that this program has started in January 2018 and this will be fully implemented in 2020 which means that all the dilapidated PUJs will be phased out.

Delgra noted that they want to promote the PUVMP in different parts of the country to communicate to drivers and operators especially in financing component or loan programs with banks.

Richard Osmeña, regional director of LTFRB, also said the PUVMP is a long term solution on the worsening condition of the public transportation situation of the country.

He said the support of President Rodrigo Duterte for the PUVMP is absolute. The PUVMP aims to provide a reliable, safe, adequate, accessible, environment-friendly, efficient, and comfortable public transportation.

Inquiry booths were also set up inside the mall such as for the registration in Tsuper Iskolar Program on Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), registration of the cooperative, accreditation of the cooperative, the consolidation of franchise, Licensing, Speed Jeepney Program, and Pasada Program.

LTFRB also showcased at least eight modern PUV units and its features compliant with the Philippine National Standards (PNS) in par with the existing Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG).

The modernized PUJs are equipped with closed circuit television cameras, air-conditioned units, and cashless fare system among others.

Councilor Carl Lopez, chairperson of the City Council committee on environment and ecology, said in June, he personally facilitated with the DOTr in Manila for the implementation of this program in the city.

“We want to modernize our transport vehicles here for our constituents to give them a safe and comfortable travel and it’s an environment-friendly,” he said.

Lopez also requested the LTFRB if they could offer PUV that will fit for the far flung areas in Bacolod City.

Lopez noted that he will pass a resolution to the City Council along with Councilor Dindo Ramos for the approval of the city’s LPTRP.

For her part, Elizabeth Katalbas, Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association (Febacda) president, said that they are not opposing the implementation of PUV modernization program.

“We are not against on the PUV modernization program, but the LTFRB should also consider our situation to allow us to apply individually and not as a group because we don’t trust the coop to handle this,” she said.

She added most of her members still failed to apply for the modernized jeepneys.

Also present were personnel from various cooperatives and corporations, drivers and operators, transport leaders and organization, manufacturers, commuter groups, national government agencies, and local government officials.

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