PUV MODERNIZATION. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson says he supports the PUV Modernization Program to replace the old passenger jeepneys, in an interview on Thursday (Sept. 26, 2019). Two major transport groups in the province have confirmed participation in the September 30 nationwide strike to oppose the modernization plan. (PNA-Bacolod file photo)
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he supports the modernization of public utility vehicles (PUVs) as jeepney drivers and operators’ groups in the province prepare to join the nationwide transport strike on Monday to oppose the said move.
“I think the issue here is really the cause of modernization of the jeeps. I am all for it, for the modernization,” the governor said in an interview on Thursday.
Lacson noted that a lot of passenger jeepneys, especially those in Metro Manila, are already old, thus the need to modernize PUVs.
He added though that support is needed to help drivers and operators invest in new jeepney units.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is tasked to implement the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) that aims to provide a reliable, safe, adequate, accessible, environment-friendly, efficient, and comfortable public transportation services.
In Negros Occidental, two major transport groups – Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros Inc. (SSTONE) and Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Associations Inc. (FEBACDA) – have confirmed participation in the September 30 strike.
On Friday, Bacolod City Acting Mayor El Cid Familiaran issued Executive Order No. 28, declaring the suspension of classes in all levels, both in public and private schools, on Monday due to the planned nationwide transport strike.
In a statement, both SSTONE and FEBACDA said that drivers and operators are not against the modernization itself, but the cost of Class 3 vehicles. which is PHP2.4 million per unit.
They also claimed that the LTFRB wants to consolidate the franchises by way of forming corporations, adding that all cooperatives formed will ultimately be abolished and subsumed by these corporations.
Meanwhile, Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI), the operator of Ceres buses, which provides majority of the bus transport service in Negros Occidental, will not participate in the transport strike.
Jesideth Marquez-Seballos, VTI legal and media relations manager, said on Friday that the bus company has already completed the modernization of its fleet in 2014.
“We are compliant with all the policies set by the LTRFB,” she said. (PNA)
