While other transport groups hold strikes to oppose the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), seven major transport groups have backed the government’s modernization program.
In a statement released on Friday, Nov. 24, the Magnificent 7– comprised of transport groups PASANG MASDA, BUSINA, ALTODAP, ACTO, STOP & GO, UV EXPRESS, and LTOP— urged other groups to “open their minds and hearts” to the PUVMP.
“Kami ay sumusuporta sa mga hakbang ng pamahalaan upang magkaroon ng isang modernong pampublikong transportasyon sa ating bansa (We are supporting the government’s move to modernize transportation in our country),” the groups said in a joint statement released on Friday, Nov. 24.
According to Magnificent 7, continuous dialogues are key to achieving “just transition” for drivers, operators, and commuters.
Echoing the pronouncement of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the group said there is no jeepney phaseout come December 31.
“Nais naming pawiin ang pag-aalala ng ating mga kasama sa sinasabing phase out sa darating na Disyembre 31, 2023. Walang mangyayaring phase out ng ating mga tradisyunal na jeep (We want to allay the fears of our fellow drivers and operators about the so-call ‘jeepney phase out’ on Dec. 31, 2023. There is no phaseout for traditional jeepneys),” it stated.
The seven major transportation groups have urged other transportation groups to cooperate with the modernization program so that commuters can be transported safely and comfortably.
“Kami po ay nananawagan sa ating mga kasama na maging bukas ang isip at puso sa napipintong modernisasyon. Ito po ay kinakailangan upang ang ating bansa ay makasunod sa mga bagong teknolohiya upang mas maging ligtas at kumportable ang mga komyuter sa ating mga pampublikong transportasyon (We are calling on our fellow drivers and operator to be open-minded and open-minded to the imminent modernization. This is necessary so that our country can follow new technologies so that commuters can be safer and more comfortable in our public transportation),” said Magnificent 7.
Recently, transport groups PISTON and MANIBELA conducted transport strikes as they called on the government to stop the “jeepney phaseout.”
However, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the first day of the three-day transport strike held by PISTON failed to paralyze public transportation in the metropolis.