TACLOBAN CITY– The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office here in the region is urging operators of public utility vehicles to form cooperatives as it pushes the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).
The deadline for consolidation was set to April 30 of this year, extending the original deadline of December 31, 2023.
LTFRB Regional Director Gualberto Gualberto said that failure to comply may result in enforcement actions, including halting the operation of these utility vehicles.
Gualberto encourages individual operators to visit the LTFRB office to initiate the inclusion process in the modernization program for transport cooperatives and corporations.
The PUVMP, initiated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), aims to address transportation issues and future demands in the Philippines.
Department Order No. 2017-011, as issued by DOTr, the program seeks to upgrade public transport to global standards, providing a more dignified and efficient commuting experience while promoting environmental sustainability.
In a press conference held Wednesday (Frb.7), various transport service entities in the region highlighted the program’s benefits for both passengers and drivers.
Mervin Llego of the Central Tacloban Transport Cooperative praised the program’s six-month payment moratorium, which allowed the cooperative to save funds for vehicle maintenance and driver compensation.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
