Transport modernization need not be expensive

A three-day jeepney strike is in the works (August 14-16).  It is organized by the transport group Manibela to protest President Bongbong’s support to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). Getting almost 100% support (for the discontinuation) from the Senators, this strike will certainly push through. Also, their resolve is further strengthened by Senate President Chiz Escudero with not just a veiled threat but a promise to scrutinize the Department of Transportation’s budget in the next cycle.

Of course, momentarily, we can always find some solace in the fact that 80% of the country’s drivers and operators embraced this program.  Therefore, the inconveniences and discomforts during this three-day transport strike could hardly be felt. There is a caveat though.  To recall, in the past, some militant groups opted to throwing metal spikes on the road to discourage sound minded jeepney drivers in plying their regular routes.

As to why, save for one, all senators are pushing for the suspension of this program, we do not know. What is certain though is, discontinuing this program will set a bad precedent.  In the meantime, in trying to understand why 80% of the jeepney operators and drivers embrace the program, let us altogether drill down on its salient features.

With the 2017 Omnibus Franchising Guidelines serving as the framework, it aimed to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles powered by more environment-friendly fuels (at least, Euro-4, Euro-5, or Euro-6 compliant engines), the guideline requires operators to consolidate to make applying for loans easier and more efficient.

True enough, loan applications have been made easier and more efficient. Government financial institutions have been so helpful and are offering easy amortization schedules. Apart from the financing side, the introduction of these ultra- low emission vehicles propelled the proliferation of e-jeepneys in the country. One of the businessmen who answered the call to modernize the transport sector is Mr. Chavit Singson. Not only that he cares for the environment by assembling e-jeepneys (or electric vehicles), he is also offering easy terms for the operators.

Notably, in a press conference (I was one of the attendees, together with National President Orlando Marquez and Secretary General Cherriegal Maglasang of the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas) held at the Misamis Institute of Technology (August 1) in Ozamis City, Mr. Singson gladly informed us that he commissioned several South Korean companies to manufacture complete knocked down (CKD) parts for these e-jeepneys.  Assembly lines (for these CKD parts) were also proposed to be established in the Visayas and in Northern Mindanao.  More importantly, these e-jeepneys shall be sold only at P1,200,000 (per unit) payable to a maximum of three years in equal monthly installments, interest free.

Apparently, this modernization program brought about many positives.  Therefore, if the obstinate 20% will remain adamant, then, they must be up for something else.

Setting that aside for the time being, this program also underscores safety for the riding public above all things. Just in case these jeepney operators and drivers aren’t aware of it, safety is a condition of being free from danger, injury or risk or on any consequences of failure, damage, error, accidents, or any situations which can be considered non-desirable. This can take in the mold of being protected from exposure to something that causes health or economical losses. It can include protection of people or of possessions.

These are categorized into normative safety, substantive safety and perceived safety. Of these three types, “perceived safety”, which refers to the “level of comfort of users”, horribly experiences numerous lapses.  These are serious lapses that do not only lead to injuries but untimely deaths. The typical examples are traffic signals, traffic regulatory and directional signs. Supposedly, having these devices or signs will give us perceptions that the roads or intersections are safe. More often, however, these signals or signs are ignored. Or, in a few instances, traffic signals malfunction. Consequently, accidents happen.

Indeed, that this program prohibits 15-year-old (and beyond as of 2017) jeepneys to ply the streets, in essence, it addresses safety. These are poorly maintained jeepneys with, probably, malfunctioning brakes and steering wheels that more often result to untimely deaths and traffic jams. Notably though, the most important component of safety is drivers’ discipline.  Apparently, that remains a problem.

Summing it all up, because of the drivers’ attitude, passengers’ safety still stays in the backseat. Therefore, taking them out of the streets should have been the best alternative.  Rendering that option impossible, well, for the time being, the general public should join hands in supporting the government’s jeepney modernization program.