Transport undersecretary Tim Orbos on Tuesday urged transport groups who oppose the public utility vehicle (PUV) to listen to the sentiment of the riding public.
Orbos said if the transport groups could not support the PUV modernization program, they should at least hear the clamor of the people for a better transport system.
“Kung ayaw makinig ng ilang PUV operators sa ating panawagan, sana pakinggan nila ang panawagan ng mga mananakay — na magkaroon ng ligtas at maayos na pagbyahe araw-araw (If PUV operators won’t listen to our call to support the program, they should at least listen to the clamor of the riding public to have a safe and orderly means of transport everyday),” Orbos said in a statement
Orbos said the PUVs modernization program would benefit jeepney drivers and would change the business model of jeepneys.
“Sa PUV modernization program, gusto nating mabago ang business model ng PUVs (In the PUV modernization program, we want to change the business model of jeepneys),” Orbos said.
“Halimbawa, dito magkakaroon na ng regular na sahod ang mga drivers at wala na rin silang babayarang boundary (For example, part of the proposal is to give drivers a regular salary, they don’t have to rent the vehicle they are driving),” he added.
Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade also urged members of the government to “have a political will” as he continues to push the government’s transport modernization program. /ee
READ: ‘Have political will’ – Tugade on PUV modernization