Show PUVs Some Love

Modernizing the Philippine transport system

- Luis Adrian Hidalgo

Every Filipino commuter knows that taking public transportation can be a living hell on earth. Imagine your loved ones leaving home looking fresh and energized for the long day ahead only for their life force to be sapped away by the dreadful snail-paced traffic aboard a jeep, bus, UV Express van, or any other similar land-based mode of transportation.

Instead of making our lives easier, our public transportation system has morphed into a stuff of nightmare for obvious reasons we all endure. Taking the public transportation means putting one foot forward while the other is buried six feet under; we all know that most public utility vehicles (PUV) plying the streets are unsafe, uncomfortable, and health and environmental hazards. But we take it regardless because we have little to no choice at all. A revamp is definitely needed, and the sooner it comes, the better.

Luckily, that much needed change is coming—hopefully, soon enough.

PUV MODERNIZATION IN THE WORKS

On June 19, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) officially launched the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which transport officials said would update PUVs across the country to not only provide safer transport systems for commuters but also mitigate the effects of climate change.

The plan—which covers vehicles such as jeepneys, buses, and public utility vans—seeks to overhaul the public transportation system to enhance commuter experience. It upgrades PUVs to meet safety, energy, efficiency, and emission standards. A three-year transition period will be in effect to give the affected sectors ample time to adjust and comply with the new rules and regulations that the program entails.