Editorial Cartoon by Rica Mae Pareño
“𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘶𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 31, 2023, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 '𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘶𝘮' 𝘣𝘺 𝘍𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺 2024 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩” 𝘓𝘛𝘍𝘙𝘉, 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 19, 2023
It is estimated that over 70% of the total number of jeepney operators and drivers will have their jeepneys stripped off permits and other important documents. LTFRB wants every operator and driver to form cooperatives or corporations for them by December 31, 2023, for them to be able to continue serving commuters by next year.
The modernization of our "hari ng kalsada" offers various advantages. Among them, the jeepney modernization program pledges to elevate safety standards. The upgraded jeepneys will incorporate contemporary safety elements like GPS, speed limiters, and CCTV cameras. Additionally, they must adhere to more rigorous emissions standards, contributing to pollution reduction and enhanced air quality. These improved "jeepneys" will feature advanced suspension systems, air conditioning, and more comfortable seating arrangements.
One of the biggest concerns of the jeepney modernization program is the higher costs of the new jeepneys. The cost of a new jeep can range from PHP 1.6 million to more than PHP 2.2 million, which is higher than the cost of a traditional jeepney. Many jeep drivers and operators may not be able to afford the new jeeps. "We want to modernize our PUVs, but it should be [done in a way] that is progressive, just and humane," Sen. Grace Poe, October 10, 2023
Furthermore, the program has been criticized for its potential displacement of jeepney drivers and operators. Many drivers and operators have been in the industry for decades and may not have the means to purchase the new jeepneys. “‘Wag na nila lituhin ang taumbayan. Ang franchise consolidation ay phaseout. Ang franchise consolidation ay pagbawi at pagmasaker sa mga indibidwal na prangkisa at pagpasa nito sa mga malalaking transport corporation na sila lang may kapasidad na magbayad at sumunod sa mga pakana ng gubyerno,” PISTON, November 10, 2023
The jeepney modernization program should prioritize the interests of the drivers. While it is important to improve safety standards, provide greater comfort to passengers, and reduce pollution, it is equally important to ensure that the drivers are not left behind in the process. The government should provide sufficient financial assistance and incentives to drivers and operators to help them purchase the new jeepneys. They could also consider a gradual transition to the new jeepneys, allowing drivers and operators to continue using their old jeepneys until they are able to afford the new ones.
Moreover, the government should consult with drivers and operators to understand their concerns and address them effectively. The drivers and operators have a unique perspective and understanding of the industry, and their input could help improve the jeepney modernization program. "Modern Jeepneys" created by local talent have been unveiled, gaining attention in news outlets and social media. Remarkably, these models are priced at only half the cost of imported minibusses. The new local designs are cheaper, compliant with what the LTO requires in terms of emissions, and resolves the problems of culture wipe as it takes the image of the old design of jeeps but safer and more modern.
The jeepney modernization program has its pros, but mostly are cons. As of now, the government must heed the voices of drivers and operators, as their insights and experiences carry significant weight and merit attention. While the program promises to improve safety standards, increase comfort for passengers, and reduce pollution, it could also lead to higher costs and displacement of drivers and operators. To make the program successful, the government should prioritize the interests of the drivers and operators by providing financial assistance, incentives, and consultation to ensure a smooth transition to the new jeepneys. By doing so, the jeepney modernization program could be a win-win situation for all stakeholders.