What do some commuters think of modern jeepneys?

October 01,2019

Examples of modern jeepneys.

MONDAY’S nationwide transportation strike has only allowed some commuters a glimpse of what it would be like not to see old-fashioned jeepneys on the roads; the country targets to replace traditional jeepneys by June 2020 with modern public utility vehicles (PUV).

Some commuters in Metro Manila interviewed Monday by the Philippine News Agency expressed positive responses to the proposed transportation setup.

Anju de Vera, a 25-year-old freelance creative artist who stays in Mandaluyong and takes public transport to meet clients, said he is looking forward to the modernization of PUVs, although worries about its affordability for the drivers.

“Yes [I’m in favor], as long as di pahirap sa mga jeepney drivers especially sa cost of the upgrade (as long as the jeepney drivers won’t have to suffer so much due to cost of the upgrade),” he said.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has earlier announced it will provide a 5% equity, 6% interest and a payment period of seven years for the modern jeepneys, which cost between P1.2 million and P1.8 million.

Congress also agreed to provide an P80,000 subsidy per unit.

Besides the price of the new PUVs, some people are having a hard time accepting that with the modern jeepneys coming in, the traditional ones considered as “icons” on Philippine roads will no longer be seen.

Austrian businessman Harald Tomintz, who has been staying in the country for 37 years, said “the [traditional] jeepney will still stay with us for some time but eventually be gone in years to come by slowly getting phased out. Perhaps a few of the jeepneys remain, but with the technical upgrade to make them compliant with the times.”

“It’s a good move of the DOTr [Department of Transportation] to modernize the PUV transport system. This is done with foresight and considered future-oriented. Of course, a proper phase-in (short- medium – long term) plan should be necessary since change can’t be done in a rush. And by doing so the riding public will get used to and become aware of a more comfortable and environmentally friendly ride,” Tomintz added.

Journalist Monsi Serrano, who stays in Paranaque and frequents Makati to do business, thinks the dated jeepneys “are running coffins.”

“There are so many violations with the jeepneys, [there’s] pollution, overloading — the maximum capacity is not followed. Hence, risks are so high. [It is a] a health hazard,” he said, adding that PUV modernization has several benefits to the environment and the economy.

His colleague, Edd Usman, agreed to this, saying the modernization program is “long-delayed and there’s no reason to delay it further.”

The PUV modernization program (PUVMP) is a flagship project of the Duterte administration, which 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. – Philippine News Agency

 

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.