DoTr: PUV modernization plan still on
Credit to Author: Lisbet K. Esmael| Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2019 13:00:49 +0000
THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said on Thursday the government would still push through with its plan to modernize public utility vehicles (PUVs) and that it was on track to implement it.
In a statement, the Transportation department said that while it resolved to conduct a roadworthiness test for old units, allowing operators to have more time to modernize their vehicles, the program would still continue.
“The DoTr expressed consideration for operators of old PUV units that, should they fail to modernize their units by July 2020, they will be temporarily allowed — through a provisional authority (PA) effective only for one year — to provide public transport service, for as long as their old units pass the roadworthiness test of the computerized Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS), which will not involve any human intervention,” it said.
“[Furthermore], by June 30, 2020, PUV operators intent on seeking a PA while awaiting the modernization of their units are expected to have submitted a petition for consolidation,” it added.
Launched in June 2017, the program has been branded as “anti-poor” by transport groups and sparked massive strikes in September.
Efren de Luna, national president of the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), earlier said each modernized unit would cost between P2 million and P2.5 million.
The government is targeting to modernize more than 170,000 units.