MABALACAT CITY -- Local government units (LGUs) are required to set up their respective public transportation route plan in line with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The agency stated that the PUVMP was launched to make the country's land transportation system efficient, safe and environment-friendly.
The program calls for the phasing out of old and dilapidated jeepneys, buses and other PUVs that are at least 15 years old and replacing them with modern and more comfortable alternatives.
In June 2017, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade signed the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG), which reformed the process of granting jeepney franchises by introducing new rules on route planning and setting new standards for vehicles and drivers.
Under the OFG, LGUs are required to come up with their own Local Public Transport Route Plans.
These plans will be based on existing and projected travel patterns and will be considered by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in issuing new franchises.
In October 2017, the LTFRB and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) presented prototype jeepney models.
These models were all locally manufactured and based on guidelines set by the DOTr.
Some of their features include Euro 4 engines, CCTV cameras, GPS, dash cams, and automated fare collection system.
As outlined by the DOTr road sector, there are three vehicle classifications under the PUV modernization program.