A Modern Public Vehicle Showcase Brewed Outside SM City Lipa

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LIFESTYLE | February 26, 2020

Several PUVMP compliant vehicles lined up at the front parking area of SM City Lipa. (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status)

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region IV-A headed by its regional director Col. Renwick Rutaquio showcased a new set of modern public utility vehicles designed to be environment-friendly, safe, secure and convenient with due consideration to senior citizens and Persons With Disability (PWD) at the front parking of SM City Lipa in Ayala Highway, Balintawak, Lipa City last February 17, 2020 but these vehicles are more than just a showcase to drivers, operators and commuters.

In fact, these units are what to expect from the impending nationwide implementation of LTFRB's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) which would surely benefit its most important stakeholders. It has been noted that the PUVMP receives negative reception and criticism from the local transport sector considering that it is a vehicle modernization program that would assumingly affect their livelihood in the foreseeable future once it is fully implemented. However, in the introduction of the PUVMP compliant units, LTFRB reiterated that it is not merely just about vehicle modernization.

The PUVMP is a comprehensive system reform that would change the public land transportation industry in the Philippines featuring a regulatory reform and new guidelines for the issuance of franchise for road-based public transport services. In its possible efforts of making the program a success, the agency is calling the support of the local government units which will be responsible for the route planning in their respective cities and towns since they are more versed in the terrain and passenger demand within their territorial jurisdiction. On the other hand, in order to soften the program's impact upon and after implementation, LTFRB partnered with LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to offer a special loan program for operators and drivers allowing them access to adequate funding.

Furthermore, stakeholders who are slated to be part of the nationwide program will have access to various trainings and social support programs that enable them to become competent, self-sufficient and well-equipped with the necessary technical equipment and skills. There is no assurance whether the PUVMP can make the future of the local land transport sector brighter, but it is good to know that we can lay our own eyes at its future and eventually think of our own possibilities towards these units once they begin to roll out.