LTO chief says consolidation ‘most important step’ in PUV modernization

MANILA, Philippines — Consolidation is the most important step in the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, said Land Transportation Office Chief Atty. Vigor Mendoza II on Wednesday.

According to Mendoza, consolidating into one corporation or cooperative will let drivers solve problems related to their livelihood as one solid group.

“Kasi sa consolidation, they will have to work together. Single dispatcher, single repair and maintenance, single garage…’yung pagbili ng piyesa, krudo, sama sama sila. That is how you achieve volume discount eh,” the official said in an ambush interview.

(Because in consolidation, they will have to work together. Single dispatcher, single repair and maintenance, single garage… purchasing parts, fuel, they are together. That is how you achieve volume discounts.)

Mendoza also stressed that consolidation has to start now, as it would take some time for members of cooperatives and corporations to function in unison.

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Likewise, the official stressed that working as one group would also benefit commuters.

“‘Pag nagwo-work together, ang laking bagay sa commuter niyan ah. Hindi sila mag-aagawan sa daan, hindi sila magsisiksikan sa isang bus stop, jeepney stop. Dispatched yan per time [ang sasakyan], o every five minutes, every three minutes pag rush hour,” he said.

(When they work together, it’s a significant advantage for commuters. They will not compete on the road, and they won’t be crowded at a single bus stop or jeepney stop. The vehicles are dispatched on a schedule, every five minutes or even every three minutes during rush hours.)

“That’s the only way para masustain ang modernization, otherwise bibili ka ng bago [na sasakyan] tapos kanya-kanyang lakad pa rin edi magkakainan sila ng kita. That’s why consolidation is the most important aspect of modernization,” Mendoza added.

(That’s the only way to sustain modernization; otherwise, if everyone goes their separate ways after buying new vehicles, they will compete for earnings. That’s why consolidation is the most important aspect of modernization.)

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