LAOAG CITY, July 13 (PIA) – With modernized Public Utility Jeep (PUJ) now starting to ply Ilocos Norte routes, passengers are now embracing a new kind of commuting experience.

Blessing Angel Agliam, an employee of the provincial government, shares the first time she rode a modern PUJ from Pasuquin going to work.

“Malinis yung sasakyan, spacious, may aircon, at may CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television), may partitions din to ensure distancing sa loob ng sasakyan. May device sa loob para ma-monitor kung nago-overspeed ang driver,” said Agliam.

The modern jeep also provides less hassle for passengers to reach their exact destination by pressing a buzzer, instead of saying “para”.

On July 8, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade led the official launching of 23 jeepneys with Laoag City-Bacarra-Pasuquin routes that are part of the modernization program of the government.

“I assure you that I will support you (to transport groups), so that the objectives that you have na inatang ninyo sa sarili niyo nang sa ganoon makamtam ninyo at masabi ninyo na nandiyan ang Kagawaran ng Transportasyon at sinasabing ‘Kaibigan, handa kaming tumulong sa inyo,” the transportation secretary said.

Meanwhile, Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon expressed delight that the city is open for developments especially in the transportation sector.

“The future of public transportation is here. Whether the commuters or the public transport operators, may like it or not, change is upon us dito sa atin sa Pilipinas and specifically dito sa atin sa Ilocos Norte and the City of Laoag. We understand that it has been in the government’s priority of to-do list but it has been constantly pushed under the rug because it was deemed anti-poor,” said Keon.

While the modern jeep gives a safe, comfortable, and somehow “first-class” way of travelling, it also assures a sustainable employment for transport groups who are heavily affected by the ongoing crisis due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. While ensuring passengers reach their destination safely, modern PUJ drivers are assured of continuing support for their family.

That’s why Sec. Tugade enjoins jeepney drivers to avail scholarship programs of DOTr such as “Tsuper Iskolar” which is intended for their children, as well as financing program for those who want to participate in the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization (PUVMP). (JCR/VHS/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)