AMID the negative reaction of drivers and operators in the province to the Jeepney Modernization Plan, an official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) called on all the oppositors of the plan here to give the government a chance.

“We will face all the opposition but please give the government a chance,” Veronica Peralta, Attorney IV of LTFRB regional office in San Fernando City, La Union, told the KBP Forum in Dagupan City.

She admitted Dagupan City was chosen a pilot area in Pangasinan for Jeepney Modernization in Pangasinan because among all towns and cities in Pangasinan, it is Dagupan that appears to be the most ready to embrace in modernization plan based on the assessment of her office.

Other pilot areas are in San Fernando City in La Union, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur andLaoag City in Ilocos Norte.

She said that after a meeting with City Mayor Belen Fernandez last December, a meeting with members of the transport sector has been scheduled.

But the Association of United Transport Organization Provincewide (AUTO Pro) led by its president Benny Aquino is reluctant to welcome jeepney modernization because it will entail a loan by the jeepney drivers and operators with the banks that they cannot afford to amortize.

Fernandez learned that one unit of e-jeepney will cost P1.5 million and will be amortized at P800 per day, but their current daily earnings only average P400 per day.

AutoPro said it wants to delay the implementation of the plan and wait for the government to give them better terms.

Fernandez already asked that the 10-year period of amortization per e-jeepney be extended and for the government to increase its subsidy per unit.

Peralta said there are other government agencies, like the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) that are willing to provide livelihood packages so drivers can earn extra income and ensure that they can pay their monthly amortizations with the banks.

The e-jeepney is environmentally friendly because it is powered by electricity, added Peralta.

Among the features of the e-jeepney includes a door location on the right side, air-conditioned, equipped with Wi-Fi, Close Circuit Television Camera, speedmeter, dash board, automation fare collection and with 22 -32 seater capacity.

She said LTFTRB will gradually remove the old and worn out public utility vehicles from the streets. (Leonardo Micua)

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