Advocacy group National Center for Commuter Safety and Protection has called on the government and the private sector to invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered terminal systems to prioritize the safety and protection of commuters and the transport industry under the “new normal” setup.
Elvira Medina, chairperson of NCCSP, said safety of commuters must be upheld at all times as business operations reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Let us always remember the role of the commuters in nation-building. In most countries, commuters are recognized as the most important resource and assets. To risk their lives, safety and wellbeing is also putting the entire nation at risk, given that commuters comprise 80 percent of the society,” she said.
“Without the commuters, there is no need for mass transport, and without transport, commuters cannot propel the nation’s economy. Thus, there must be prompt support toward programs that ensure the welfare of the commuting public,” Medina added.
Amid discussions on the possible resumption of public transportation, the NCCSP has been in constant dialog with several information technology experts for the creation of a virtual city terminal using AI technology.
The project, in coordination with the Department of Transportation, will enable the Metro Manila Development Agency to employ an efficient public utility vehicle transport dispatch system.
Under the new system, city buses and other modes of modern transportation will be scientifically managed to guarantee continuous availability to regularly ferry commuters safely and efficiently.
In line with existing safety protocols, trips may be planned and reserved ahead of time, and cashless transactions will be enforced. All these will be done through a mobile app set to be launched before the full reopening of public transportation.
Medina said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, in cooperation with the Land Transportation Office, will ensure that only roadworthy modern vehicles and city buses can ply the roads. PUVs that passed the 50 standards for roadworthiness under the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) of the government will be prioritized.
Medina said these programs, along with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, are necessary to provide safe and convenient travel for all.
“We understand the plight of drivers who operate traditional jeepneys, but they must also understand that our health and safety as commuters must come first. Modern jeepneys that passed the highest standards of roadworthiness – steering wheel, brakes, underchassis, tires, safety equipment like seatbelts, lamps, headlights, and electricals – are in tip-top condition, ensuring our safety at all times,” Medina said.
She cited the 2019 Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System of the MMDA which recorded 121,771 road accidents. Of this number, 10,296 accidents involved public utility jeepneys, resulting in 40 deaths.
In summary, the MMDA report showed that faulty brakes, misaligned tires, worn-out threads, malfunctioning lights, and absence of speedometer are the main culprits of road accidents, Medina said.
“As commuters, we entrust our lives to drivers, especially every time we ride public jeepneys. Modern jeepneys are compliant with safety standards so we are assured that we will be able to reach our destination safely,” she said.
Medina also added that modern jeepneys are ideal for commuters during this pandemic since they have bigger space for more effective enforcement of physical distancing as well as automatic fare collection system that limits physical contact between commuters and drivers.