The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) has been in full swing since its launch in 2017. This week, the program took another giant step toward full implementation as it deployed new batches of modern PUVs for public use.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) held the PUVMP Simultaneous Nationwide Launch yesterday, June 11, signaling the deployment of various modern PUVs across the country. The nationwide launch took place in different regions, and we were present at the NCR event.
According to LTFRB board member Engr. Rolando Corpuz, 381 new routes have been opened all over the Philippines as of June 2019, with a total of 17,000 modern PUV units deployed: “Dito po, sa araw na ito sa buong Pilipinas, magbubukas po ng 49 routes na kinapapalooban ng 865 units. Para po sa atin—NCR and Central Office—anim na routes po ang bubuksan, pero ang units po natin ay 188, which is 22% ng bubuksan sa araw na ito.”
The government has gone all-out on its efforts to provide clean and sustainable modes of transport for the public via the PUVMP. Just last week, the DOTr and the LTFRB launched the Modern PUV Caravan in Clark, Pampanga, to spread awareness and bring the initative closer to more Filipinos.
Yesterday’s launch at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang exhibited a lineup consisting of electric jeepneys, a Euro 4-compliant taxi unit, and an all-new premium bus. The fully-electric jeepneys will be equipped with CCTVs and dashcams, and will allow for electronic payments, while the new taxis—still powered by petrol—will come with a similar security camera setup and will provide Wi-Fi access for its passengers.
The premium buses, on the other hand, will be operating on a point-to-point (P2P) basis from either the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange to Baguio City (and vice versa). Aside from the standard CCTVs and dashcams, these P2Ps also sport fully reclining leather seats—fitted with food trays and USB charging ports—and will provide Wi-Fi access and one comfort room per unit.
These are great developments for the Philippines’ public transport system. You can check out more photos of these new PUVs below, and share us your thoughts in the comments.
