Old PUVs to be banned as DOTr to sign PUV franchising guidelines by end of May

Metro Manila will soon have modern, more environment-friendly public utility vehicles (PUVs) as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to sign the omnibus franchising guidelines for public transportation before the end of the month as part of the agency's efforts to "to modernize PUVs." “The Omnibus Franchising Guidelines will be signed before the end of May," department secretary Arthur Tugade said during the 62nd anniversary of the police's Highway Patrol Group last Monday, May 8. "Old and dilapidated vehicles will no longer be allowed to ply along major roads."

PUVs to have Euro 4 emission-rated engines

Based on the guidelines, the government will provide a financial assistance program for public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators and drivers to modernize the country's public transport system. Through the Landbank's Special Environment Friendly and Efficiently Driven program, an initial budget of P1 billion for individual loans will be awarded to 650 PUJ operators and drivers in Metro Manila to enable them to purchase a jeepney with at least a Euro 4 emission-rated engine "in compliance with the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program."

PUV routes to be rationalized

The guidelines will also eliminate illegal PUVs or those operating without a franchise by rationalizing routes based on the needs of local government units (LGUs). Route plans submitted by the LGUs will reportedly serve as the basis for the franchises to be issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, with franchises and PUVs to be provided in underserved areas while those in routes that are heavily congested "will be rationalized."