LUCENA CITY (PIA) – Transport cooperatives in Quezon Province have expressed their support for the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

In an interview with Philippine Information Agency CALABARZON’s ‘Kapihan sa PIA Quezon’, the Lucban Genesis Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LGTMPC) said their consolidated 55 modern jeepneys are now operating in Quezon plying the cities of Lucena and Tayabas, Mauban, and Lucban. 

“Our routes depend on the passenger demand where we have various schedules per route. This means that even if there is only one passenger, the jeepney has to leave the terminal as scheduled,” said LGTMPC manager Ana Riza Diwata. 

Aside from an efficient fleet system, modern jeepneys also help ensure passenger and driver safety as each unit includes four dashboard cameras for recording trips which can be used for the driver’s comprehensive insurance claims. 

Diwata added that the air-conditioned modern jeepneys are more convenient and comfortable for commuters. Modern units are also more fuel-efficient compared to traditional jeepneys by 50 percent.

The PUVMP aims to end the boundary system and instead require transport cooperatives to utilize a Fleet Management System, which systematically assigns a specific number of modern jeepneys, depending on passenger demand and schedule. 

“Our drivers do not need to chase a trip because they now have a salary with benefits. What the minimum wage enforces, that's what the cooperative follows. The good thing about that is that our drivers have a sustainable income,” Diwata said. 

Launched in 2017, the PUVMP is part of the government’s bid to address transport-related problems and to curb the air pollution linked to outdated jeepney units. 

Since then, the LGTMPC assured their support to the initiative which resulted in 15 modern PUVs or modern jeepneys. Since 2022, these modern jeepneys have been widely used in the province. 

Another transport cooperative in the province, the Lucena City Transport Service Cooperative (LCTSC), also signified their support for the program.

Freddie Bravo, LCTSC President, said 19 jeepney operators and drivers associations in the city have already reached out and complied with the standards laid down by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for an efficient rollout of the PUVMP.

In a separate interview with PIA Calabarzon, LTFRB IV-A Regional Director Renwick Rutaquio clarified that the program does not seek to phase out traditional jeepneys but instead, replace units that are no longer roadworthy and emissions compliant. (PB,RO/PIA-4A)

Kapihan sa PIA Quezon is a weekly radio program by the Philippine Information Agency Quezon, streaming live every Wednesday, 2:00pm-3:00pm on Philippine Information Agency CALABARZON and PIA Quezon Facebook pages, simulcast live via Radyo Pilipinas Lucena DWLC 1017, Tagkawayan Teleradyo, Radyo Kaisahan 107.7 FM - Sariaya, Quezon, 92.7 Brigada News FM Lucena, Idol Pinoy TV, Boses Ng Barangay and Sentinel Times.