Modern PUV caravans set to launch on July 4

An example of a modern PUV. Inquirer.net file photo

CONCERNED government agencies and participating automotive companies have started preparing for the upcoming series of modern PUV caravans.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on June 25 led the aptly named “National Steering Committee Meeting” for the caravans.

The DOTr said the launching ceremony of the event will be held on July 4 in Clark, Pampanga. The series of around 30 caravans, centered on the theme of ”Arangkada ng Pagbabago Tungo sa Kaunlaran,” will then follow in various locations nationwide. The caravans will end on January 27, 2020.

The event is a joint undertaking of the DOTr, LTFRB, Land Transportation Office, Office of Transportation Cooperatives, Development Bank of the Philippines, Landbank of the Philippines and various companies in the local auto industry.

The DOTr said the caravans are meant to push for the implementation of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. The program seeks to phase out public utility vehicles 15 years and older with models that comply with Euro4 emission standards (or even electric-powered) and are equipped with CCTV cameras, GPS monitors, speed limiters and an automatic fare collection system. The program is expected to be fully implemented by 2020.