484 Transport Cooperatives Form in Support of PUV Modernization Program

The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), one of the biggest projects of the Duterte administration, gathers solid momentum and goes full swing as 484 transport cooperatives have formed within a year of the program's implementation. These new cooperatives have officially submitted their application to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The government agencies are currently processing the applications of the cooperatives and are working to consolidate the modern PUV industry. Both DOTr and LTFRB are hoping that the strategic merging of smaller transport industry players will give drivers and operators better access to funding and other benefits.

"The scale and the impact of this program is huge," said DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade.

The DOTr and LTFRB installed a one-stop-shop (OSS) processing facility in Mandaluyong City, where different government agencies are represented to speed up the processing of franchise applications.

Aside from consolidating franchises, the combined power of both agencies is also identifying and conducting feasibility studies on new potential routes all over the country.

Since 2017, the PUV modernization program has opened 15 operational routes for modern jeepneys in the National Capital Region, Region VI (Western Visayas) and Region VIII (Eastern Visayas).

"From the start, we have been campaigning for better public transport and accessibility options for the public," said DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport Mark Richmund de Leon. "We have been engaging our LGUs to help us move things forward. They know the needs of their constituents better because they are on the ground, and with this, we hope that all routes nationwide will be properly served."