DOTr reopens PUVMP consolidation

MANILA, Philippines — Drivers of public utility vehicles are allowed to join existing cooperatives anew as part of the PUV modernization program.

Consolidation under the PUVMP has been reopened by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ease the financial burden of operators and cooperatives paying bank loans amid the high cost of modernized jeepneys as well as registration and consolidation fees.

“We need to help them join the PUVMP. We need to give them reprieve so they don’t lose money,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said.

Modern jeepneys cost over P2 million, which is too expensive for PUV drivers and operators, according to state-run Landbank and Development Bank of the Philippines.

In routes with a consolidation rate of over 60 percent, operators and drivers of public utility jeepneys and utility vehicle express can join existing consolidated transport service entities (TSE).

Pending a transfer plan, unconsolidated operators can operate in existing and rationalized routes without a consolidated TSE.

Unconsolidated PUVs were considered “colorum” or illegal following last year’s consolidation deadline.

Sen. Grace Poe commended the DOTr’s decision.

“We laud Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon for heeding the call to revisit the flawed modernization program after consultation with transport groups and stakeholders,” Poe said.

“But the devil is in the details, as they say. Are the new guidelines responsive to the concerns earlier raised by the drivers and operators? Is there a new scheme to make modern jeepneys more affordable? Are all routes covered?” she added.