Despite the pandemic, 1,648 transport cooperatives composed of 154,898 members have been accredited under the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) based on the latest report from the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“Natutuwa kami sa halos 400% increase ang bilang ng mga transport cooperatives ngayon mula sa 429 bago ilunsad ang PUVMP noong 2017. Dumoble rin ang mga kasaping miyembro ng mga transport cooperative—mula 65,880 noong 2017 ay mahigit 154,000 na ngayon. Maraming sumuporta kasi nakita nilang makikinabang ang lahat sa PUVMP,” said OTC Executive Director Eugene M. Pabualan.
One of the main objectives of the PUVMP is the strict enforcement of the highest standards for public utility vehicles to ensure its roadworthiness to ensure the safety of commuters, drivers and conductors.
Apart from a more comfortable commuting experience, the PUVMP guarantees drivers a stable monthly salary as they will be employed by the cooperative. They are also entitled to mandatory benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig. Drivers will not be burdened by miscellaneous expenses as well since the cooperative will shoulder operational costs such as maintenance of vehicles, parking fees, and insurance.
According to the data from the OTC, 1,654 modes of Public Utility Vehicles are now being operated by cooperatives under the PUVMP. Half of these vehicles or 847 units are public utility jeepneys (PUJs).
Though the March 31, 2021 deadline for Industry Consolidation has passed, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) shall motu proprio issue PA to individual operators who failed to consolidate, valid for one (1) year effective from 01 April 2021. Individual drivers and operators may also join accredited cooperatives before the PA expires.
“Hinihikayat namin lahat ng mga indibidwal na drayber at operator na sumilalim sa consolidation o di kaya’y sumali sa mga kasalukuyang transport cooperatives. Sama-sama po tayo sa pag-arangkada tungo sa ikauunlad ng buong sektor ng transportasyon,” said Pabualan.
