Bacolod selected for PUV modernization pilot study

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has identified Bacolod as one of four pilot cities for a focused assessment on improving the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), according to Mayor Greg Gasataya.

The other cities chosen for the pilot study are Mandaue City, Antipolo City, Baguio City, and General Santos City.

Gasataya said DOTr officials arrived on Sept. 8 for a week-long evaluation aimed at resolving key issues in the transport sector, with a final report expected by Friday.

In a media interview following a courtesy call with the mayor, DOTr Project Evaluation Officer IV Zion Yuson confirmed the agency’s presence in the city for comprehensive data gathering.

Yuson emphasized the department’s intention to invest more resources to improve the effectiveness of the program in Bacolod.

“We will be pouring more resources to improve the state of the program, and address how we can better improve our support to the local government unit (LGU) and transport groups here,” he said.

Yuson acknowledged that the program’s initial implementation had shortcomings.

“That’s what we’re here to address,” he added.

He said Bacolod is being recognized for its high compliance with the PUVMP, including the significant number of modernized jeepney units in operation.

“Our goal is to perfect the model here, address all existing issues, and cater better to the commuting public by providing sustainable and efficient mobility solutions,” he said.

“Hopefully we can scale Bacolod to other LGUs,” Yuson added.

In support of the modernization efforts, Clean Air Asia is also working with DOTr to improve electric mobility integration in the city.

Drench Manido, Project Coordinator of Clean Air Asia, said the organization is assisting with electric vehicle deployment, charging infrastructure, capacity building, financial planning, and operational guidance for EVs in public transport.

“We’re assisting them in enhancing and implementing electric mobility solutions in a sustainable way,” Manido said.

Gasataya earlier announced that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will conduct a re-survey of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in Bacolod from Sept. 8 to 20.

The survey aims to determine the ideal number of PUJs per route and explore the possibility of opening new routes.

Currently, Bacolod has 24 routes under its Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), although some traditional jeepneys continue to operate without valid franchises due to non-compliance with national modernization and consolidation rules.

As of April 2025, Bacolod operates 605 modernized PUJs and 1,266 consolidated traditional units.