PUJ operators not complying with modernization program face revocation of franchises

By Rizal Obanil, Manila Bulletin, 6 Oct 2019

Owners of old public utility jeepneys (PUJs) face the possibility of having their franchises revoked if they fail to comply with the PUV modernization program’s 2020 deadline.

“By 2020 bibigyan kayo ng notice, kapag hindi pa kayo gustong mag-modernize, io-open po namin ang inyong prangkisa sa ibang operators (By 2020 you will given a notice and if you still refuse to modernize [your jeepney] then make your franchise available to other operators,” Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Mark de Leon said in an interview over radio DZBB.

De Leon encouraged all stakeholders to stick to the deadline.

The PUV modernization program has met strong opposition from jeepney operators nationwide, claiming that the government’s program is anti-poor.

A nationwide strike was held last week to dramatize their protest.

The PUV modernization program aims to replace old PUJs with Euro 4 compliant public utility vehicles that use a combination of rechargeable batteries and energy efficient fuel to power its engines.

Each unit, however, costs around P1 million to P 2.2 million, which jeepney operators and drivers say is just too steep for them.

This, despite the government’s offer to shoulder P80,000 of the cost of the vehicle.