Magnificent 7 back ‘just transition’

Seven leading national transport groups, more commonly known as the Magnificent 7, have signified their support for the full-on implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Plan or PUVMP despite fellow groups' opposition to the long-delayed plan.

In a joint statement, the groups pointed out the need for a "just transition" in the transportation sector through the modernization program that would benefit the commuters.

The group also downplayed the fears of a total phaseout of traditional jeepneys, echoing pronouncements by the Department of Transportation or DoTR, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board or LTFRB, and Office for Transport Cooperatives or OTC.

No phaseout

The Magnificent 7 is composed of Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas.

"We want to allay the concerns of our comrades on the so-called phaseout on 31 December 2023. There will be no phaseout of our traditional jeeps. We know that this modernization causes fears and doubts among our comrades because it is different from what we are used to," the group's statement read.

"We are calling on our comrades to be open-minded and open-minded to the impending modernization. This is necessary so that our country can follow new technologies so that commuters can be safer and more comfortable in our public transportation," it added.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista had already reiterated that there will be no phaseout of traditional jeepneys on 31 December — the deadline set by the DOTr and LTFRB for the consolidation of operators and drivers into cooperatives.

Under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Plan or PUVMP, new jeepney units should run with Euro 4-compliant engines or electrically-powered engines with solar panels for roofs.

These modern PUVs should also be equipped with closed-circuit television cameras, a GPS navigation system, an Automatic Fare Collection System, speed limiters, dashboard cameras and WiFi.

In June 2017, the Department of Transportation, then led by former chief Arthur P. Tugade, launched the PUVMP.

The program aims to come up with a "restructured, modern, well-managed and environmentally sustainable transport sector where drivers and operators have stable, sufficient and dignified livelihoods while commuters get to their destinations quickly, safely and comfortably."