The Jeepney modernization program was organized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in 2015. The program revolves around a government initiative to improve Jeepney vehicles to make them safer.
To reduce fatal accidents, the government considered replacing old and poorly maintained cars, and eliminating outdated jeepneys on the streets which were expected to help tackle environmental pollution.
Based on the LTFRB resolution, the owners of public vehicles cannot franchise, increase the number of vehicles, or renew the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) in any way. In addition, they are not allowed to circulate vehicles that are older than 15 years from the date of manufacture.
The initiative to modernize jeepneys aims to reduce fatal accidents and tackle emvironmental pollution
In general, in addition to reconstructing jeepneys older than 15 years, other public transports such as buses have also been improved.
The jeepney modernization program focuses on the following 3 areas:
If the existing franchise system is owned by jeepneys operators, this new system and the routes for jeepneys will be entirely managed by the government. Any franchising authority is no longer valid to the unit operator.
The minimum number of jeepneys to be franchised was previously 20 vehicles. However, in 2019, that number was increased to 40.
To ensure absolute safety as well as being environmentally friendly, the government has circulated a set of guides for all types of vehicles.
All vehicles must comply with national standards and international safety conventions. Of course, the specifications will vary based on each kind of PUV, meeting the Department of Transportation's Omnibus Guidelines.
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The current jeepneys are claimed to emit too much pollution due to out-dated technology
Here is a summary of the most well-known and affecting upgrades applied to PUVs in the future in the Philippines:
Vehicles with internal gas engines need low emissions, which must meet EURO IV emissions standards or higher.
Traffic modernization programs that want to be successful require cooperation from vehicle drivers. Therefore, training the PUV drivers is essential.
The training course includes training on driving techniques, traffic safety measures, and codes of conduct with passengers.
A Pinoy vlogger talks about the jeepney phase out opinion
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Firstly, the Philippines has a lot of traffic overlapping in terms of routes, concessions, and services. This caused classic congestion in our country.
Secondly, jeepneys are used by the Filipinos for personal purposes. Initially, these vehicles were used as air transport vehicles or long-distance vehicles. However, many people have turned it into public transport, and charge a small fee when a passenger travels a particular route.
In addition, many owners crammed with customers in excess of the permitted number (exceeding 26 people). The design of the jeepney is quite inconvenient and small. The rows of seats are arranged to face each other, making it difficult to stand upright. Therefore, moving and carrying customers is not safe.
The jeepney phase out opinions differ largely among Filipinos
Finally, because of the franchise, it's challenging to track how many vehicles are running the same route or counterfeit franchises.
Those are the crucial reasons that urged the Philippine Government to come up with an initiative to modernize the jeepneys nationwide. However, the jeepney modernization itself comes with both pros and cons, which has led to the jeepney phase out debate for years.
In order to provide readers with a good understanding of the jeepney modernization debate, Philtoyota.com will discuss some popular jeepney phase out opinions regarding both advantages and disadvantages of the program.
Basically, the program aims at helping workers to have safe, comfortable and environmentally-friendly transportation.
Most people use public transport to get around. Therefore, the modernization of jeepneys helps to reduce harmful smoke and dust into the environment. The government has policies to help them "greener" and create conditions for a clean air environment.
The all-new appearance of jeepney
The Jeepneys program ensures people safety by two important things:
The Philippines is famous for its traffic congestion. However, thanks to this program, people will be informed in advance of the schedule of routes, which helps to travel faster and avoid congestion.
Another jeepney modernization advantage is that it brings significant improvements to the jeepney’s comfort features. For example, the jeepneys will come equipped with larger storage space, and the doors are placed on the sidelines, which are also safer and more convenient for parking.
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First of all, the modernization of a jeepney can substantially increase the cost of the vehicle and thus, making it a major burden for many jeepney drivers and even operators to buy one.
At this point, a lot of operators might have to stop the business, which leads to the possibility of the private companies taking over the jeepney operations. As a result, fare prices will go up and Filipino commuters will suffer more.
Protest against Jeepney modernization program by jeepney drivers
In order to limit the spread of the Covid-19, the government has banned the operation of public transport, including the traditional jeepneys. However, many people consider this act as "inhuman" because the state does not recognize the plight of thousands of drivers. Many people had to beg on the big streets because they lost their main source of income.
Jeepney drivers got heavily affected by the outbreak of Covid-19
Senate public services committee chair - Poe said that while she supported this effort of the state, the planners also need to listen to the public to come up with the best policy for all.
She submitted to Senate Bill No. 867 on providing reasonable loans to jeepney drivers and cash subsidies for them. On the other hand, Olarte, President of Clean Air Philippines Movement Inc also told that the government should provide food rations when waiting for the jeepney resumption.
>>> Read more: 6 most common issues Filipinos have with Jeepneys
The outbreak of the Covid-19 has somehow led to the delayed implementation of the program and also stirred up the jeepney phase out debate among Filipinos. Looking on the bright side, the Government however will have more time to consider the benefits of all stakeholders to come up with the best solution.
With jeepney modernization pros and cons thoroughly discussed, we hope you have learnt helpful knowledge from this post. Follow us at Philtoyota.com for more motoring updates and car tips.
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