THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region IV-A (LTFRB- R4A) recently launched its Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) last February 17 at SM City Lipa. Headed by LTFRB Regional Director for Region IV-A Col. Renwick Rutaquio, the program showcased a variety of PUVMP compliant units to its most important stakeholders – drivers, operators and the riding public. These modern PUVs are designed to be environment-friendly, safe, secure and convenient with due consideration to Persons-with-Disabilities (PWD) passengers.
According to LTFRB, the PUVMP is not merely a vehicle modernization program. It is a comprehensive system reform that will entirely change the public land transportation industry. It features a regulatory reform and sets new guidelines for the issuance of franchise for road based public transport services.
For the program’s success, LTFRB calls the support of the LGUs as they are the ones functioned to do the route planning in their cities and municipalities as they are more versed in the terrain and passenger demand within their respective territorial jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, in order to soften the impact and assist small operators who will be affected by the PUVMP, a special loan program with Landbank and DBP is also being offered which will provide access to operators and drivers for adequate funding. Stakeholders will also have access to various trainings and social support programs to enable them to be competent, self-sufficient and well-equipped with the necessary technical knowledge and skills.|-PR
