Over 110,000 PUV drivers, operators accredited for upgrade plan

COSTLY These new jeepneys have features that included air-conditioning but are likely to be too expensive for current drivers and operators. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Transportation)

Updated @ 9:27 p.m., Feb. 25, 2020

MANILA, Philippines — More than 110,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators have been accredited for the government’s transport modernization program, which requires the use of Euro-4 standards-compliant units.

The latest records from the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) showed that 1,131 transport cooperatives comprising of 110,909 drivers and operators of all PUVs are now ready to modernize their franchise.

Meanwhile, Steve Pastor, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure, said drivers and transport groups who would fail to comply with the government’s PUV modernization program by June 2020 would still be given probationary authority to operate for a year — but with conditions.

“First, they must submit a certification from LTO [Land Transportation Office] that their vehicles are roadworthy. Second, their transport groups must file for consolidation of franchise,” Pastor said.

Pastor, however, noted that the government is confident that the full implementation of the PUV modernization program will push through by June 2020 as the number of transport cooperatives tripled from 429 groups in 2017 to 1,131 in 2020.

DOTr previously revealed that it would continue its modernization program despite dropping its plan to phase out jeepneys. DOTr said it would instead let jeepneys operate as long as they pass the motor vehicle inspection system or roadworthiness test.

KGA / ATM