PUV modernization takes different paths

The deadline for public utility vehicle (PUV) franchise owners is nearing, as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has set the date at June 30, 2020 when all existing franchises using old jeepneys, buses, and other public conveyances will not be renewed. That’s also the date government has set for all PUVs to be modernized.

Less than 11 months to go before that day arrives, the government and the public transport sector are nowhere near to meeting that deadline. Consider the odds: According to the LTFRB, 220,000 outdated PUVs nationwide need to be replaced by safer, cleaner, more efficient, and more convenient modernized PUVs; since the government’s Public Utility Modernization Program (PUVMP) was launched in June 2017, less than 20,000 such new vehicles have been turned over to various transport cooperatives across the nation; resistance to change among the jeepney drivers and operators have been strong and loud, further delaying what should be the necessary and inevitable reforms.

In describing the PUVMP, LTFRB envisions 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.”

In an ideal world, that should have characterized our mass transport systems decades and decades ago, continuing to this day, and assured in our future. The reality is far different, and even the envisioned future is in danger of being reset to another date.

IPC: First to roll out

Still, the PUVMP marches on, with reputable private entities in the manufacturing sector helping push the program forward. Among them is Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the country’s leading manufacturer and distributor of brand new commercial vehicles and trucks. Since the start of the PUVMP, IPC has been among the first to supply modernized PUVs, and so far, it has delivered 202 such vehicles, with an expected 250 to 300 more from August to December 2019.

Its most recent delivery was just this July 12, when it turned over 24 modernized PUVs to the Alabang Transport Service Cooperative (ATSC) at the latter’s depot along the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway and Daang Hari junction in Bacoor, Cavite. ATSC is one of the oldest and biggest transport cooperatives in Las-Pinas and Muntinlupa cities.

The 24 PUVs–Isuzu QKR77 light duty trucks with body made by Almazora Motors and Centro Manufacturing Corporation—will be operating along the Las Pinas, Paranaque and Alabang routes.

“We are very honored to be providing ATSC its first modern PUVs. We believe that this is going to be a step towards an upgraded and greener transport system along ATSC’s routes,” said IPC President Hajime Koso.

Koso added that Isuzu PUVs “aim to improve the transportation of commuters, and give them a handful of benefits such as safety and convenience.” These PUVs are environment-friendly, as they comply with Euro4 standards and have passed the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Philippine National Standards (PNS).

The formal turnover ceremony was attended by Office of the Transport Cooperative project manager Manny Camagay, Development Bank of the Philippines vice president Daniel Gonzales, Las Pinas City councilor Ruben Ramos, and ATSC chairman Bienvenido Barra.

The Isuzu QKR77 platform has been modified for PUV use, and is powered by the 3.0-liter 4JH1-TC CRDI diesel engine that delivers 106 Ps of power with better fuel economy. The Euro4 rating also assures cleaner emissions.

The Isuzu PUV can accommodate up to 30 passengers (seated and standing). It’s fully air-conditioned, with enough legroom, headroom, and seat space in a Class 2 vehicle. The modern PUVs are also equipped with accessories as required by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), such as CCTVs and dashcam, GPS tracking system, and automated electronic fare collection system. The automatic doors also face the sidewalk for safe and convenient entry and exit of passengers.

E-jeepneys, Tata Motors, too

Going with the pace truck manufacturers and assemblers such as IPC are producing and turning over modernized PUVs, it seems pretty clear that they will need a lot more help from other entities in order to meet the June 2020 deadline.

The response has been encouraging.

A day before IPC turned over its vehicles to ATSC, on July 11, the eco-PUV Transport Inc of Ayala-Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City received a fleet of 15 modernized PUVs, comprising of 8 Euro4-rated diesel-powered TATA Super Ace Class 1, two TATA SFC 407 Class 2 vehicles, and five electric jeeps from local manufacturer Philippine Utility Vehicles Inc (PhUV)–three Musang Class 1 powered by lead acid batteries, and two Haribon Class 2 powered by Lithium-Ion batteries.

Ferdinand Raquelsantos, president of the eco-PUV Transport Inc–the assigned fleet management operator for the transport system in Ayala-
Alabang Village, revealed that with this turnover, eco-PUV Transport Inc also started its operations after the program launch and awarding of the LTFRB permit held at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang.

Raquelsantos told this writer that the vehicles comply with the PNS on PUV Class 1 and 2, as well as with the PUVMP.

He added: “All units are equipped with Automated Fare Collection System provided by AF Payments using BEEP Card. This same card is used in most P2P and MRT/LRT systems, providing a convenient application on cashless transaction. These modern jeepneys also have dashcams, Rearcams, CCTV, Wifi, USB outlets for cellphone charging, and GPS tracking. All drivers are on corporate payroll, with SSS, Philhealth and Pag-Ibig benefits. All passengers are covered with a personal accident insurance, and all vehicles are covered with a comprehensive insurance.”

Modern PUV Caravan

Last July 4, the country’s most prominent vehicle assemblers and distributors joined the Modern PUV Caravan 2019, a multi-sectoral program aimed to promote the nationwide adoption of modernized PUVs.

The Modern PUV Caravan 2019 kicked with a 5 a.m. motorcade beginning at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, with the convoy arriving at the SM Clark open parking grounds for the launch program and the Modern PUV Showcase.

The motorcade was composed of modernized PUVs from IPC, Hyundai, Tata Motors and other manufacturers, and had on board representatives from the participating sectors of government and various industries: The Department of Transportation; the LTFRB; the Land Transportation Office (LTO); the Office of the Transport Cooperatives (OTC); DBP; Landbank; the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (CAMPI); the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA); the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID); the Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP); the Electric Vehicles Association of the Philippines (EVAP); and the Philippine Parts Maker Association (PPMA).

The LTFRB also announced the new nationwide routes of modern PUVs during the launch program.

The Grand Caravan 2019, which has as its theme “Modern PUV: Arangkada ng Pagbabago Tungo sa Kaunlaran,” has been planned as a series of events starting from the kick off in Clark, extending all the way to northern Luzon and to Mindanao.

The Grand Caravan will be held in four phases, with Phase 1 covering the Luzon area north of Metro Manila from July 4 to August 2.

IPC, Raquelsantos, and all of those involved in the PUVMP are a few examples of the first half of that Filipino adage, “Kapag gusto, may paraan; kapag ayaw, may dahilan (roughly translating to “There is always a way to achieve what is so desired; there is also always an excuse not to take that way now).” The latter half of that saying might as well be those who reject the program. PUV modernization may be the ultimate and inevitable destination, but the ways to reach that are as varied and opposing as the criss-crossing routes of our everyday commutes.