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DOTr: Consolidation of jeepney drivers, operators is non-negotiable part of PUV Modernization
DOTr: Consolidation of jeepney drivers, operators is non-negotiable part of PUV Modernization
On the fourth day of the nationwide transport strike, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) stressed that the consolidation of jeepney drivers and operators into either a cooperative or corporation is a non-negotiable part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The deadline for consolidation is on Dec. 31 and DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said that this is something that could not be waived in talks with protesting transport groups since it is an essential component of the goal of modernizing the country’s public transport system.
“One very important issue that is non-negotiable is industry consolidation because we really need the players to consolidate into cooperatives or corporation,“ Bautista said.
“We cannot allow them not to consolidate because we believe that consolidation is an important component of PUVMP,” he added.
Both the Piston (Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide) and Manibela are calling for the cancellation of the consolidation, saying that it is not only costly on their part but would also lead to the phaseout of jeepney.
Piston held a three-day transport strike that started on Monday, Nov. 20, and Manibela joined the group on Wednesday and extended the strike until Friday this week.
While the government is offering up to P280,000 subsidy per unit, some jeepney drivers and operators said it would be burden on their part since each unit costs almost P2 million with a monthly amortization of more than P30,000.
The group said the consolidation requirement for jeepney drivers and operators would compel them to avail of modern units since they would eventually be denied with the franchise and even the renewal of registration of the vehicles.
Bautista, however, said that there were demands that are doable and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is already working on it, such as the extension of the validity of the jeepney franchise for five years.