Meycauayan—At last, daily commuters in the three component cities of Bulacan are now fully-served by modern jeepneys under the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
The third batch of 30 units of 23-seater Isuzu jeepneys belonging to the Pasang Masda Cooperative has started plying the ‘Meycauayan-Malolos’route (via north Luzon expressway) this week after the ceremonial launching last Wednesday.
City Mayor Linabelle R. Villarica and Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade led the blessing of the 30 modern jeepneys together with Pasang Masda president Obet Martin, and Isuzu Philippines Corp. president, Hajime Koso.
Mayor Villarica, who served as deputy House Speaker during the 17th Congress, told mediamen that the modernization of common carriers is a big step in ensuring the safety and comfort of the riding public, especially daily commuters and daily wage-earners, who complain about unbearable traffic especially during rush hours. The jeepneys are air-conditioned.
Tugade said the 30 brand-new Isuzu jeepneys are equipped with features required under the PUVMP guidelines such as Automated Fare Collection System, GPS tracking system, dash cameras, CCTV, and Wi-Fi. The jeepneys are also Euro IV engine-compliant.
Tugade underscored the importance of unity and cooperation of the government and private sector. He said he is just following the marching order of the President Duterte who told him “to make the Filipino life convenient and safe.”
“Today, the modernization program is an answer to that marching order, wherein we, at the Department of Transportation, are committed to make the Filipino life comfortable, safe, and convenient,” Tugade added.
The first batch of 16 Isuzu-jeepneys under the government’s PUV-MP started serving commuters in the province last Aug. 19 last year.
The ‘e-jeepneys’ (or electronic jeepneys) started plying the route from Sampol Market in the City of San Jose Del Monte to Santa Maria town and then to Meycauayan. This is the first route in Bulacan to be included under the PUV modernization program.
The second batch of another 16 units of e-jeepneys were deployed before the Christmas season to service the growing commuters along the route.
Under the PUV modernization system laid down by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, public utility vehicles older than 15 years will no longer be allowed to travel as public transport.
The units must be replaced with brand new or new configurations based on the Philippine National Standard (PNS), such as the Euro 4 engine.
During the launching at SM-Marilao last year, LTFRB regional director Ahmed Cuizon explained that a particular route would need to be developed in order for old jeepneys to be replaced with new units.
“This way, the cooperative members will jointly own the new jeepney units,” Cuizon said.
To avail of the program, jeepney drivers on this new route formed themselves into the Sampol Bulac-Santa Maria-Meycauayan Transport Service Cooperative.
“This is the key requirement of the LTFRB for drivers to avail of PUV modernization funds from Land Bank of the Philippines,” Cuizon said.
Some P1.5 billion has been earmarked by LandBank for LTFRB’s PUV modernization program. The loan has no interest and payable in seven years. In addition, the government shells out an P80,000 subsidy to ease amortization payments. The minimum fare is P11.
The jeep’s back door is closed. The door is on the right side making it safer for passengers getting in and out of the vehicle. Inside, passengers can also stand without stooping or bowing their heads.
The Sampol Bulac-Santa Maria-Meycauayan Transport Service Cooperative is the first in Central Luzon to comply with the PUV modernization program.
After the ‘Super Meycauayan-Malolos’ route, the modern PUV units will soon cover other major routes in the province particularly in Baliwag, Plaridel, Bocaue and Calumpit.