Progress delayed is progress...

an automated fare collection system, speed limiters and a GPS system. The DOTr specifies no preference as far as manufacturers of new generation PUVs are concerned. For as long as they pass the Philippine National Standards and are aligned with the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines of the LTFRB, operators will have no problem renewing their franchises.

Government has made it easy for PUV operators to replace their decrepit vehicles. A subsidy of P160,000 has been granted to cover the down-payment, chattel mortgage and insurance of a brand new vehicle. A concessionary interest rate of six percent will be applied over an amortization term of seven years. This allows the PUV operators to obtain a brand new PUV with practically zero cash outlay whilst paying affordable monthly installments. The cost of a new vehicle can range from P900,000 to P2.5 million, depending on its load capacity and engine.

Some PUV drivers and/ or operators may find it difficult to understand how the financial model works. For guidance, they can refer to the LTFRB or enroll in the Driver Scholar Program of TESDA.

Adjunct with the modernization of buses and jeepneys will be the rationalization of routes. New routes will be created while appropriate number of PUVs will be deployed per route. The benefits of the program are numerous. For the riding public, they will enjoy more efficient and connected routes, shorter waiting times, a safer and more comfortable journey, predictable travel times, more disciplined drivers (due to the elimination of the boundary system) and reduced traffic. For the drivers, they will benefit by way of fixed base salaries plus benefits (which they are presently deprived of), higher incomes by virtue of vehicles with higher passenger capacities, faster turn around times due to rationalized routes, less working hours, less traffic, less work stress and less franchise costs. It is