Important updates regarding the government’s PUV modernization program (PUVMP) have come out: the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced that the deadline for consolidation has been moved to April 30, 2024.
You may recall that the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) previously extended the deadline from December 31 to January 31. This new three-month extension was recommended based on the number of unconsolidated drivers and operators, particularly in the capital.
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“The extension will allow them to meet the consolidation requirement,” said DOTr secretary Jaime Bautista during a recent press briefing. “This will enable us to fast-track the implementation of the PUV modernization program. And it was the President’s magnanimity that the extension was for three months.”
“We hope LTFRB and other concerned agencies will use the extension period to improve the program’s guidelines in line with raised concerns, particularly here in Metro Manila,” added Bautista. “We still believe the program’s benefit outweighs its perceived deficiency.”
He also added that the three-month extension—which is supposedly “more than enough” to implement the program—will cater mainly to those who are willing to consolidate. As for those who aren’t he said those are probably the ones who refuse to support the government’s PUV modernization program. Bautista also confirmed that this will be the last extension.
Expect more updates regarding this to come out in the coming days or weeks. Rest assured, we’ll keep you posted.
