ABMAP, DOTr push forward public transport modernization plans

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The Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines held a meeting with the Department of Transportation to discuss the ongoing implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program, focusing on technical standards for modern public utility vehicles, route rationalization, and the role of local manufacturing in the program’s success.

DOTr Undersecretary Ramon Reyes announced that the Local Public Transport Route Plan will now be managed directly by the agency, with local government units serving in a supporting role.

Route rationalization is already being piloted in Baguio, Mandaue, General Santos, Bacolod, and Antipolo, with 50 percent completion targeted by year-end and the remainder to be finalized next year.

The program, which seeks to modernize the country’s public transportation network, is being supported by the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Reyes said the modernization initiative will move forward in three major steps—rationalizing routes nationwide, building capacity for transport cooperatives, and signing a memorandum of understanding with government financial institutions that will later extend to commercial banks.

He added that the extension of public utility vehicle franchising terms from seven to ten years has enabled banks such as the Development Bank of the Philippines to resume lending to transport cooperatives.

Scrapping facilities for phased-out units will be established in Central Luzon and southern regions as part of the transition to modern fleets.

ABMAP strongly urged the government to prioritize local manufacturing over large-scale importation of completely built-up units, citing heavy investments by Filipino manufacturers in plant capability and production capacity to meet national standards.

The group also recommended that the six approved Philippine National Standards developed by the Bureau of Philippine Standards be formally recognized in the DOTr’s draft circular, noting that more than 80 percent of the technical specifications were derived from these standards.

ABMAP clarified that the approved PNS cover body dimensions, while other vehicle components such as engines, brakes, steering, plastics, and rubber parts are already regulated by other agencies.

The association further emphasized that importers and distributors of modern PUVs must provide nationwide after-sales support, including trained technicians and readily available spare parts, to ensure operator protection and service reliability.

During the meeting, ABMAP President Vicente Mills Jr. pointed out that the slowdown in financial support from government financial institutions such as DBP and Landbank has delayed the transition from traditional jeepneys to modern PUVs.

He attributed these delays to operators’ unpaid loans that resulted in repossessions, underuse of automatic fare collection systems such as beep cards, and management issues within certain cooperatives.

Mills reiterated the need to address these financial and operational bottlenecks promptly to safeguard the success of the modernization effort.

ABMAP reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate closely with the DOTr and other industry stakeholders to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and locally driven modernization program for the benefit of Filipino commuters and manufacturers alike.

The Public Transport Modernization Program, launched in 2017, aims to replace old and unsafe jeepneys with environmentally friendly, efficient, and passenger-compliant vehicles that meet modern emission and safety standards while improving the overall public transport system nationwide.