DOTR Secretary Vince Dizon
Major transport groups are seeking a complete overhaul of the composition of the government team at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) that oversees the implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) amid issues and concerns that even triggered the recent three-day transport strike.
In a letter dated March 26 and addressed to DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, transport groups Pasang Masda, Altodap and ACTO said the replacement of PTMP officials is the only way to expedite the modernization program and ensure that the true intent of the modernization program is realized.
“Secretary (Dizon), the problem is how the PTMP could be properly implemented. As such, we hope that you would appoint new officials who will expedite the proper implementation of the PTMP,” the letter written in Filipino read.
The letter was signed by Pasang Masda National President Roberto “Ka Obet” Martin, Altodap National President Melencio “Boy” Vargas, ACTO National President Liberty de Luna and the respective officers and members of the groups.
“We appeal for the appointment of new officers who have the expertise and knowledge on the program, officials who are aware of the problems and who could craft the best and proper solutions to these problems,” the letter read.
“We also hope that the new official who would lead the implementation of the PTMP is highly respected and is very familiar with the public transportation sector,” it added.
The three groups are among the major transport organizations that reject the transport strike as a solution to the PTMP issues.
While they fully support the government’s modernization program, the transport groups told Dizon that there is a need to reconsider some factors, particularly on the viability of the modernization program in some areas.
They said that while there are some routes, particularly in urban areas, that could comply with the modernization program, the reality on the ground also dictated that there are some routes that will not be able to cope up.
“Not all routes are ready for modernization, especially in the provinces where they do not earn much. There are also local transport leaders who are not ready in dealing with the business side of this modernization,” the letter read.
The three transport leaders are expecting to meet with Dizon and other government transport officials to discuss the PTMP. But this early, they made some proposals in order to ensure the success of the PTMP.
Among the proposals are to implement the PTMP in the routes that are financially viable, to compel routes capable of modernization to shift to modern jeepneys within 12 months after the declaration that they are modernized routes.
For the routes that would be declared by a DOTr Committee that are not financially viable, the traditional jeepney will be allowed to operate, and that traditional jeepney that were displaced in the routes declared as modernized routes could operate in non-financially viable routes on a “last in, first out” basis for as long as the route is still open.
The groups are also calling for financial assistance to the operators of modernized routes for the shift to modern jeepneys.