Transport cooperatives in Sarangani province have started the deployment of modernized jeepneys in line with the national government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
An initial fleet of 10 Class 3 modern public utility jeepneys (PUJs) formally rolled out on Monday afternoon in various routes in four of the province’s seven municipalities through the assistance of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Paterno Reynato Padua, LTFRB-Region 12 director, on Tuesday said the PUJs were recently acquired by member cooperatives under transport group Sarangani Alliance for Reform and True Development (STARTed).
STARTed is composed of five transport cooperatives duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority and the Office of Transportation Cooperatives of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
He said the new units will serve various routes in the municipalities of Alabel, Kiamba, Malungon, and Malapatan.
LTFRB-12 assisted the transport alliance and its member cooperatives in acquiring the low carbon emission-compliant jeepneys as required in the Clean Air Act.
Padua said they waived the franchise charges for the modern units as earlier committed by DOTr Secretary Arturo Tugade.
“This is to help boost the full implementation of the PUVMP in the region,” Padua said in a statement.
The official lauded the transport alliance and the provincial government of Sarangani for fully embracing the PUVMP, which mainly aims to upgrade the country’s public transportation system.
He said the deployed modern PUJs are designed as environment-friendly, safe, secure, and comfortable, with additional features to address the needs of persons with disabilities.
“Commuters from various municipalities in Sarangani will now be able to enjoy riding air-conditioned, spacious, safe, and convenient modern PUJs,” he said.
LTFRB-12 has been working with various transport cooperatives in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) for the deployment of more modernized PUJs to further fast track the rollout of the PUVMP. (PNA)
