By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental fifth district Rep. Marilou Arroyo-Lesaca filed a bill before the House of Representatives earlier this week that would mandate public utility vehicles (PUVs) to be equipped with ramps and lifts for disabled passengers, along with space to accommodate for wheelchair-bound passengers.
“Even if there are designated seats for PWDs (persons with disabilities), they can’t even fit some of the things they use for mobility, such as wheelchairs,” she explained.
The bill also requires the Department of Public Works and Highways to designate certain stretches of road as pick-up points for disabled passengers.
Arroyo-Lesaca said some drivers do not pick up passengers with disabilities.
“It is a source of concern and a strain on PWDs when they commute, especially during rush hour,” she added. “Designated pick-up points for PWDs can bring them convenience and safety.”
If passed into law, the bill also applies penalties to those who defy the rule, with fees ranging between P200,000 and P500,000.
Given how PUVs, primarily jeepneys, are structured, the bill does not provide estimates on the costs for such upgrades.
It also does not discuss how the additional equipment will impact an individual jeepney’s passenger capacity.
According to AMS Vans, one of the largest wheelchair accessible vehicle manufacturers in the United States, their website notes, “Many vehicles have specific lift models that have been designed specifically for that type of vehicle.”
The company also pointed out, there are four types of lifts, which could be installed either to the side or rear of the vehicle. Such circumstances may force jeepneys to reduce their passenger capacity in order to make space to accommodate for a ramp and platform.
In addition, in order to secure a wheelchair once inside, protective mats, ratchet straps, mobility covers, and battery packs may also need to be installed./DGB, WDJ