E - JEEP: PHILIPPINES' JEEPNEY MODERNIZATION

BANDILA: JEEPNEY MODERNIZATION PROGRAM, "DI DAPAT MADALIIN"
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sxclWw-6nXM DECEMBER 11, 2017 | ABS - CBN NEWS

The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program was launched by the Department of Transportation. It was initially introduced by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board last 2015. It aims to make the country´s public transportation efficient and environmental friendly by the year 2020. The program calls out for the phase out of jeepney, buses, and other PUVs (Public Utility Vehicles) that are least 15 years old. These then will be phased out and be replaced with a safer, more comfortable and environmental friendly alternatives.

​There are 3 areas that the program will address, (1) New franchising system, (2) Improving PUVs to international standards, and lastly (3) Training for drivers. For a quick run down of what it comprises of, the new franchising system will enable the government to plan the routes instead of the jeepney operators proposing their routes, and, standardize income of jeepney driver, this will provide them with regular employment benefits, and abolish boundary system. As to improve the standards, the government has also imposed a set of guidelines for all vehicles to meet before getting approved to operate. In order to uphold safety, comfort, and environmental soundness, all vehicles and services will comply with the national standards and international vehicle safety conventions. Depending on the type of PUV, there are various specifications that they must meet as imposed by Department of Transportation’s Omnibus Guidelines. The modernization would not be successful without the cooperation of the drivers, this is why they will be conducting a training for the drivers which regards to the technicalities of driving, safe measures, and proper etiquette in dealing with passengers.

​The issue about Jeepney Modernization that has been the topic to almost every discussion of Filipino citizens, evokes various perceptions from different people belonging to different classes. The issue on this topic has not been settled yet thus several nationwide transport strikes and debates in social media. Two sides were made from this issue. First, there are people who wanted the government to consider the financial capacity of the jeepney drivers. Second, the people who wanted the modernization to push through to ensure the safety of commuters.

As a democratic country, citizens have an influence in the final decision of the government. Considering that these two sides does not meet eye to eye, a decision whether the modernization of jeepneys should push through or not should be made. In making a rational decision, Filipinos must choose what to sacrifice. May it be the financial ability of the drivers or safety of the commuters. As of the moment, most Filipinos are still supporting drivers who can not afford the economic jeepney. Regular use of jeepney as a mode of transportation assures them that they are still safe and does not need e-jeeps if the drivers can not afford it.