Editorial Cartoon by Rica Mae Pareรฑo
โ๐๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ธ๐ฉ๐ฐ ๐ง๐ข๐ช๐ญ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ข๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ญ๐บ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด๐ฐ๐ญ๐ช๐ฅ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ฆ ๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ณ 31, 2023, ๐ธ๐ช๐ญ๐ญ ๐ฃ๐ฆ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด๐ช๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ข๐ด '๐ค๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฎ' ๐ฃ๐บ ๐๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ณ๐ถ๐ข๐ณ๐บ 2024 ๐ข๐ด ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐บ ๐ธ๐ช๐ญ๐ญ ๐ด๐ต๐ช๐ญ๐ญ ๐ฃ๐ฆ ๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ข๐ต๐ฆ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ข ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ต๐ฉโ ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ณ 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. โโWag 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,โ 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.
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