Solution, not suspension.

This was the call of local transport group, Bacolod Modernized Jeepney Transport Association (BMJTA), during their transport caravan yesterday to show support for the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), following proposals for suspension.

More than 1,500 drivers and operators from 11 modernized jeep cooperatives gathered during the caravan at the Bacolod City Government Center yesterday afternoon.

BMJTA president Romeo Justiniani said thousands of Bacolodnons will go hungry as a result of the suspension of updated jeepney operations, as many families depend on the modern transport industry for their daily needs.

Justiniani said they are calling for the government to find solutions to the woes being faced by PTMP instead of suspending it.

The BMJTA said the government also has to consider drivers and operators under their association who adhered to PTMP, stating that they fulfilled the requirements mandated by the government.

In a radio interview, local transport operator, Nomver Rojo said that the proposed suspension of PTMP will have a huge impact on them.

Rojo said they still have bank fees to pay for their modernized units.

He added that their modernized jeepney units on the Mansilingan-Central Market route have been completed, and they are able to cater to all riding public.

The BMJTA is composed of 11 transport corporations and cooperatives, operating a total of 597 modernized units on 21 routes in Bacolod.

Earlier, 22 senators signed a resolution to suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which is now called PTMP, due to “valid and urgent concerns” raised by affected transport cooperatives “in view of ensuring a more efficient and inclusive implementation.”

The lawmakers cited concerns including the high number of unconsolidated public utility vehicles, the phaseout of the iconic jeepney design “in favor of so-called modern jeepneys,” and low percentage of approved routes, among others./WDJ