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LTFRB to LGUs: ‘Expedite completion of route plan’

By Ernie Delgado


LEGAZPI CITY --- An official from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Bicol (LTFRB-5) admitted that the agency has not yet established a timeline for the full implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).


LTFRB-5 Planning Officer Johnny Sacdalan attributed the delay to several local government units (LGUs) failing to submit their Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRP).


“LPTRP is central to the modernization program,” he stated on the Ugnayan sa Bicol radio program.


According to Department Order 2017-011, or the “Omnibus Guidelines on the Planning and Identification of Public Road Transportation Services and Franchise Issuance” from the Department of Transportation, all LGUs must submit their LPTRP.


Sacdalan explained that it is the responsibility of LGUs to develop the LPTRP within their jurisdictions.


The LPTRP, which is a key component of the PUVMP, is crucial because it outlines route networks, transport modes, and the necessary number of vehicles required for public land transport services.


The LPTRP is a necessary requirement for government banks to provide loans to consolidated transport groups for purchasing modern utility vehicle units.


However, Sacdalan noted that out of the 120 LGUs in the region, 31 have not yet submitted their LPTRPs.


As of this January, only six LGUs have received approval, while the remaining ones are still undergoing evaluation of their LPTRPs.


Sacdalan urged PUV operators to coordinate with their LGUs that have not submitted their LPTRPs or are still evaluating their plans.


He also encouraged PUV operators to consistently attend meetings convened by the Public Transport Management Team, as subsidies, referred to as “ayuda,” will be provided to transport sectors that have consolidated.


Additionally, PUV operators should take advantage of the equity subsidies available from the government, he said.


The government has allocated funds for PUV operators that have consolidated, he added.


The PUVMP is the government’s initiative aimed at addressing worsening transport-related issues and meeting future transportation demands in the country. (PIA)

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