PUV Drivers Joining A Transport Cooperative And Changing The Mindset on PUV Modernization

Just recently, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade instructed the Road Sector, Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB), and OTC to move ahead and approve transport groups who consolidate into cooperatives and even those who intend to help the government in implementing and rolling out these modernized PUVs. Enter the Cordillera Basic Sectors Transport Cooperative. It’s the first Regional Transport Cooperative based in the Cordillera Administrative Region. We sat with founder and chairman Jude G. Wal originally from Tadian, Mountain Province, who not only changed our minds about PUV Modernization but also convinced us to be not just concerned citizens but a citizen who can be proactive. Here’s what you should know.

The Cordillera Basic Sectors Transport Cooperative’s mission is to give world-class public conveniences through modern modes of transportation while leveling up the social standing of drivers and operators. It also aims to ultimately solve traffic and improve the environmental state of any city or province.

Why Jeepney Drivers Should Join the CBSTC

There have been mixed reactions both from passengers and drivers ever since the idea of this modernization came out. Some people think it’s a great idea but some people think it would destroy the businesses of many most especially drivers who operate jeepneys for a living. There have even been rallies in Baguio City where drivers put up signs that say, “Against Jeepney Phase-Out.”

This is an initial reaction of many when they hear the words “phase-out.” People think there is nothing else after that when the truth is there are people, even organizations, who have a solution and all we need to do is to read, be informed, accept change and act on it.

So, why should jeepney drivers join organizations or cooperatives such as the CBSTC?

• First, the cooperative exists to primarily give a more stable income from jeepney drivers. Once you become a member, you get paid just like a regular employee with government benefits such as SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, retirement benefits, and other insurance coverage. This gives you a better socio-economic status and somehow give a better future for the family.
• Second, assist jeepney drivers in purchasing the new modernized PUV. The common notion would be once you become a member, you pay an initial amount to get a unit. Truth is, there is no initial cash out, meaning you don’t need to pay anything to get a new unit. It gets paid monthly and with much research, CEO Jude Wal says a driver should just maintain three trips in a day for five days a week. But to be clear, there is a membership fee that should be paid.

How do these modernized PUV look like?

Not bad! Not bad at all. These Isuzu Almazora jeepneys definitely look like something you’d only see in different countries. During our visit, Mr. Wal says he imagines these kinds of transportation roaming around the streets of Baguio City. It’s safe and it makes the city look cleaner.

According to Mr. Wal, CBSTC has already been authorized to operate in La Trinidad, Tabuk, Banawe, Mountain Province, Sagada, and hopefully soon in Baguio.

CBSCT envisions a transport system in Baguio and in the whole Cordillera where only these modernized PUVs would be used. A centralized terminal will be assigned to pick up and drop off passengers. Citizens with cars will park on designated areas and will also take these PUVs to take them anywhere around the city. It’s safe, units are well maintained which means it can lessen pollution, it might actually solve the traffic problem of the city, and it provides jeepney drivers with a better future.