CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga — Department of Transportation (DOTr) looks forward on the immediate implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
“We just want to remove the dilapidated vehicles out of the streets. To be specific those that are 15 year old vehicles. When we say 15 years, it does not mean that all 15 year vehicles are out. There will be a final test which is road worthiness,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade told Central Luzon stakeholders during the Sulong Pilipinas 2018 Philippine Development Forum in Clark.
The agency will install a Motor Vehicle Inspection System to be able to determine the road worthiness of the existing PUVs.
“Any PUV that is more than 15 years old and claiming that they are road worthy, just pass through the inspection system, if you pass then you can operate subject for continual inspection,” the Secretary emphasized.
“We will start this program on ground during the term of President Duterte,” he added.
Tugade also discussed the issue concerning those who will be affected by the modernization program.
“The government is extending financial assistance so that this modernization program can be put into reality. We have designed the 5, 6, 7 and 80 formula. This is a financing arrangement that is available in government and private banks that are looking into this program,” Tugade stated.
That is 5 percentfor the equity, 6 percent for interest, 7-year terms and Php 80,000 which will be the subsidy given to the jeepney owner who will be part of the modernization program.
DOTr is targeting for an effective transportation system and to be able to do that, the government would need a transport system not just for the poor but also for all the people.
“As we go along implementing various projects of the government, we do not have the luxury of time. We have barely three years remaining and there are many more things that we would like to do,” Tugade said.
“This government is willing to do what can be done, if we do not have the luxury of time at least give us the blessing of your trust and confidence that we will do our job for the entire nation,” he stressed.