The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday assured the public and the transport sector that the implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) will be done in phases.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista allayed the apprehension of transport leaders and lawmakers that there will be no abrupt or immediate phase out of the traditional jeepneys.
“These old vehicles will not be phased out at once as the modernization program has many components,” Bautista said in a mix of English, adding that the consolidation of PUV operators and drivers is the first component of the PMTP.
He said transport groups who joined the modernization assert their operations have proven efficient and profitable.
“The consolidation has made the participants happy with the resulting operational efficiency. Their employees now enjoy the benefits derived from the consolidation and the efficiency this created,” Bautista said.
With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ‘s support, the DOTr will push ahead with the planned route rationalization.
“We are working closely with local governments. We need to coordinate for the quick adoption of the route rationalization” program, Bautista said.
The third component of the program, or the actual modernization, will not require the acquisition of new jeepney models until after the Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRPs) have been ironed out, according to Bautista.
He explained the LPTRP is a well thought-out plan and this gives transport authorities the confidence the routes will prove profitable enough for the banks to support consolidation members with the financing they need to acquire modern public utility vehicles.
