Thirteen major transport groups in the country have recommended three measures that they proposed to be included in the Amendment of the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines of Public Utility Vehicle Modernization.
In a letter sent to Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, dated 25 October 2023, transport groups have signified appreciation and support for the transport modernization program of the national government.
However, they said three measures should be included for a more efficient implementation that would benefit both the transport sector and the commuters.
In the letter, the first recommendation is to implement the PUV modernization program in major routes in key urban centers of the country.
"Due to limited resources and route viability, we propose that the PUVMP be implemented only in selected routes in key cities where there is a high passenger demand for modern PUVs. Implementing PUVMP nationwide will result in a lack of focus and a high probability of failure in routes that are not viable to start with," the transport groups reasoned out.
The second is the allocation of training funds to prepare consolidated groups to implement fleet management systems.
"A better understanding of fleet management systems, allows consolidated groups to operate in a more effective and more efficient manner, resulting in bulk purchasing of fuel, parts, etc. using methods in economies of scale," the transport groups' letter read.
Third is the full implementation of Automatic Fare Collection Systems (AFCS) in identified routes, where the modern PUV operators and the AFCS provider are both ready to implement AFCS.
"AFCS is one key component of PUMP, but experience has shown us, if not implemented fully, where passengers in all modern PUVs operating in the route are required to pay through AFCS, the migration from cash to card is painfully slow," the groups said.
"AFCS is the cornerstone to move away from the boundary system and adopt a salary-based system for drivers. And AFCS results in increased income by addressing the decades-old problem of 'kupit'. Thus, mandatory usage is a must for AFCS to succeed, otherwise, cash will still be the primary means of fare payment," they added.
The letter was signed by leaders of the Pasang-Masda, Altodap, ACTO, Cebu Integrated Transport Service Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CITRASCO), Alliance for Peace and Sustainable Development Transport Cooperative (APSDTC), South Metro Transport Cooperative, Modern Era Transport Corp., 997 Transport Cooperative, DCM Transport Service Corp., San Dionisio Transport Cooperative, Taguig Transport Service Cooperative, Juan Transport Service Cooperative, and A. Roces Transport Coop. Inc.
"We hope for your Honor's kind consideration of our proposals, which would greatly benefit stakeholders in public transportation, and ultimately, the riding public," the groups said.
Secretary Bautista earlier met with the transport groups and committed support to their concerns in further improving the PUV modernization.