Incoming gov’t urged to re-evaluate jeepney modernization

MANILA — A transport reform advocacy group on Wednesday stated that amid the transport crisis in the country, the incoming administration should reassess the “sudden and unjust implementation” of the jeepney modernization program.

The Passenger Forum commuter group expressed wariness that the current transport crisis will be used to further implement the DOTR’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, just like how the Covid-19 pandemic was used to advance the phasing-out of traditional jeepneys.

“One of the things that this crisis has taught us is that mass transport options like jeepneys and buses are essential in our transport system,” TPF Convenor Primo Morillo said in the statement. 

“While we recognize that we have to modernize, we should think of how to implement just transition from our current fleet of traditional jeepneys to the so-called modern ones. The last thing our jeepney drivers and operators need is a program that does not take their livelihood and rights into consideration.” 

Despite the environmental benefits, groups representing workers in the transport industry have long opposed PUV modernization.

Earlier in May, Zaldy Ping-ay, Stop and Go Transport Coalition national president warned commuters at a press conference that the public transportation crisis would possibly worsen under the incoming administration with the incoming officials — possibly including Tugade — still likely to continue pushing for the public utility vehicle modernization program. 

“It’s businesses that will profit from this. Maybe they only consulted businessmen, not the actual stakeholders,” he said.

“What we’re appealing from the next government is to put a stop to the PUV modernization, which causes a lot of problems in our ranks,” he also said. “I hope they don’t take away our right to make a living.”

A significant portion of the opposition to the initiative stems from the fact that drivers feeding impoverished families refuse to pay the P2.4 million price tag of a modernized jeepney, with many of them advocating for a just transition rather than allowing them to bear the burden alone.

The government doubled its subsidy for these to P160,000 during the pandemic, but the prices of units also doubled and now cost P2.4 million.

According to Morillo, there are various ways to make the modernization just, including:

1. eliminating the cash-out part of operators-drivers

2. prioritizing the deployment of modern jeeps in new routes to prevent unfair competition with traditional jeeps

3. prioritizing employment for displaced drivers

4. implementing differences in price points in routes where both modern and traditional jeeps serve

“The best evidence of the importance of mass transportation is the situation of commuters on our roads today. The PUVM Program under the current DOTR has failed to consider the social costs and it resulted in injustice not just to drivers and operators but to commuters as well. We call on the next administration to assess the implementation of this unjust program and restart consultations with all affected sectors,” Morillo said. 

“There are a lot of ways to fairly implement the government’s PUV modernization program. We are pretty sure that many leaders and members of other transport groups also have several ideas how to go about it. The key is ensuring consultation with affected sectors and sincerely listening to their views.”