The Department of Transportation on Wednesday bared laying out measures preparatory to the full implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) after the 31 December 2023 deadline to consolidate.
The agency said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), in collaboration with the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) and other government agencies, are set to implement the PUVMP.
“(The) focus of LTFRB under the PUVMP is the welfare of commuters so that come 15 January 2024, sufficient number of PUVs are expected to continue plying their routes considering the ongoing application for consolidation of numerous transport groups with the LTFRB and OTC, trying ot beat the deadline,” the DOTr said.
In compliance with the Malacanang directive to expedite implementation of the much-delayed PUVMP, the LTFRB is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) in rationalizing PUV routes.
The DOTr said LGUs will continue to assist the LTFRB in planning local routes based on passenger demand and the required PUV units.
“LGUs will also assist the LTFRB and DOTr after the deadline in their jurisdictions, particularly ensuring the adequate supply of PUV services,” the agency said.
After 31 December this year, all consolidated units will continue to operate their existing routes and to apply for special permits on routes without consolidation pursuant to LTFRB MC No. 2023-052.
In the National Capital Region, all major routes or thoroughfares are being operated by consolidated transport groups while secondary routes without consolidated entities are served by other modes of public transport.
The LTFRB vows to provide updated data with respect to the consolidation efforts on 29 December, the last working day of the year.
