LTFRB: Despite problems, PUV modernization full swing by 2020

EDITORIAL

BAGUIO CITY—Despite opposition from transport groups particularly PUV (public utility vehicle) operators, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in the Cordillera Administration Region (LTFRB-CAR) on Tuesday said implementation of the PUV modernization program in the country is now underway and will be on a full swing by 2020.

Lalaine Sobremonte, LTFRB-CAR officer-in-charge, said they are hoping for the various transport groups to file their intent to modernize before June 30, 2020, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency. “We have not received anyone yet for consolidation and we hope that they would conform before June 2020 which is the deadline,” Sobremonte said.

 Consolidation means individual PUV owners have to form an organization or cooperative with whom franchises will be named for an assured continued service benefiting the commuters, and not at the convenience of the single PUV owner.

It also intended to make the group accountable for the financing of the PUVMP-compliant vehicle, according to Sobremonte.

Based on the intent of the program, the PUVMP is not merely a vehicle modernization but a comprehensive system reform that will entirely change the public land transportation industry in the country.

It features a regulatory reform and sets new guidelines for the issuance of the franchise for road-based public transport services, focusing on roadworthiness and assured continued service to the commuters.

Sobremonte said PUV owners, who fail to comply with the requirements, will have to face the consequences.

“Transport groups who will not comply with the program will be given a probationary authority to operate which is good for one year if they can show a certification from LTO (Land Transportation Office) that their vehicles are roadworthy. However, their routes will be opened to any organization that can enter and apply for the route,” Sobremonte said.

Transport groups in the region said the proposed modern vehicle may not match up to the rugged terrain of the Cordillera, but then, the government is insisting on its so-called modernization program. There should be room on the part of government to iron out such problems.