LTO: Road accidents involving passenger jeepneys manifest need for PUV Modernization
Road accidents involving passenger jeepneys, the recent was in Laguna that left two people dead and 17 others injured, serve as a wake-up call to modernize the country’s public transportation, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said on Sunday, Jan. 21.
LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said these road accidents are the reason why Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista has been firm in his decision not to further delay the much-needed Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
“This is not the first time that this fatal accident happened. We heard and saw them in the past in this will go on if the government would not do appropriate action to modernize out transport system,” said Mendoza.
The PUV Modernization Program is now on its second phase after the deadline for consolidation ended on Dec. 31. The program would eventually lead to the phase out of passenger jeepneys.
Some transport groups have been calling for the delay of its full implementation due to expensive modern units.
But Mendoza said the PUV Modernization Program will assure of comfortable and safe mode of transportation for the commuters and likewise minimize risks in the safety of all road users.
Based on the police report, the passenger jeepney lost control of the steering wheel after the vehicle lost its brakes in Nagcarlan, Laguna on Friday, Jan. 19. It then hit the two victims and even rammed several vehicles before it stopped.
Vehicle malfunction is one of the reasons behind fatal accidents in the country and for Mendoza, this should not be the case especially for public utility vehicles since they should always be checked to ensure that they are road worthy.
“The government’s goal of reducing unnecessary deaths and injuries due to road accidents includes a shift to a safer, comfortable, convenient and sustainable modernized public transportation under the PUV Modernization Program,” said Mendoza.
“Our commuting public deserves better transportation system and this is why the PUV Modernization Program comes into play,” he added.