Poe: Still a lot to be explained about jeepney modernization

Sen. Grace Poe. (Photo from her office)

Sen. Grace Poe on Tuesday urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to submit a report updating the public on the latest developments on the jeepney modernization program expected to be launched this year.

Poe, Senate committee on public services chair, at the same time called for sobriety among jeepney transport groups planning to hold protests following the implementation of the government’s “Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” program, which some had linked to the modernization scheme.

“We want to know what has happened to the modernization program. Has the DOTr come up with clear guidelines on how to implement this? There are still many things to be ironed out,” Poe said.

“All the details should be laid on the table because as far as the ordinary jeepney drivers are concerned, it is their livelihood that is at stake here,” she added, stressing that transparency was necessary to prevent confusion and misinformation.

In a hearing last month at the Senate attended by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and transport groups, Poe recommended a pilot test of the modernization program amid the absence of clear guidelines and the lack of consultation with jeepney drivers and operators.

She also proposed that the DOTr find a compromise with groups opposed to the modernization program by allowing old but roadworthy jeepney models to continue plying the streets as she pointed out that the plan could not be fully implemented within three years anyway.

Poe likewise asked jeepney operators and drivers to think twice about holding street protests against the “Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” campaign.

“The lack of transportation hits the commuters hard and disrupts work and classes,” she said.