The Department of Transportation (DOTr) stood firm on its decision to pursue the nationwide Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) amid the Senate’s suspension resolution on Thursday.
In a press release, the DOTr stated that they will push through with the PTMP, as majority of the transport sector are in favor of the proposed program. The program’s deadline for consolidation lapsed last April 30, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to proceed with the PTMP.
“‘Yung lahat sa sektor ng transportasyon na gustong sumama [sa modernization] ay nasa loob na po. Wala po tayong naiwanan. On the part of DOTr, we were given a marching order po ng Pangulo, 100% go po ito (Everyone in favor of the modernization in the transportation sector have already signed up. No one was left behind. On the part of the DOTr, we were given a marching order by the President, we will proceed with this 100 percent),”Transportation Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Jesus Ferdinand Ortega said.
Moreover, the DOTr pointed out that the modernization program goes beyond the drivers and operators, as they also took into consideration the commuter’s safety and comfort.
“We’re talking of millions of commuters every day. Thus is a project na dekada na pong hinihintay ng mga mamamayan (Thus is a project that commuters have been waiting for in decades),” Usec. Ortega remarked.
Under the project, jeepney units past 15 years old will be replaced with Euro four engines or electrically-powered engines with solar panel roofing. Furthermore, the country’s road transportation system will address vehicle safety and quality, route network efficiency, and fleet management.
The DOTr said that the transformation would give commuters a ‘modern public utility vehicle’ that is comfortable, accessible, safe, and affordable.
