Readiness of UV Express Operators for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in the Province of Albay
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I3.796Keywords:
Awareness, Operational Practices, Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, Readiness, Sustainable Transportation, UV Express OperatorsAbstract
This study assessed the readiness of UV Express operators in the First District of Albay to comply with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). Anchored on the Innovation Diffusion Theory, Socio-Technical Systems Theory, Organizational Change Management Theory, and the Resource-Based View, the study examined operators' level of awareness, operational practices, readiness of consolidated public transportation entities, anticipated implementation challenges, and support mechanisms for successful modernization. A descriptive quantitative research design using a prospective approach was employed. Data were collected through two self-made, non-standardized survey questionnaires administered to 61 UV Express operators and 25 key informants from five consolidated transportation entities. Descriptive statistics, weighted mean, and a five-point Likert scale were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that operators generally demonstrated high awareness of the PUVMP, positive operational practices, and willingness to comply with modernization requirements. Consolidated entities were found to be generally well prepared in terms of technical proficiency and operational management but only moderately ready in financial capacity. Financial, operational, and regulatory concerns, particularly the high cost of modernization, limited financial resources, and compliance requirements, remained the major challenges affecting implementation. The study further identified government financial assistance, technical support, institutional guidance, and private sector participation as essential mechanisms for facilitating a smooth transition. Overall, the study concluded that successful implementation of the PUVMP requires strengthened financial, technical, organizational, and institutional support to enhance operators' readiness and promote sustainable public transportation. Future studies are encouraged to examine implementation across different regions and operator types, investigate specific implementation challenges qualitatively, and assess the long-term economic impacts of the modernization program. This study supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action by examining transport modernization, sustainable mobility, and cleaner public transportation. Its findings contribute to transportation policy, institutional planning, and sustainable mobility by providing evidence that may guide government agencies, transport cooperatives, and other stakeholders in strengthening modernization strategies while improving transport services and supporting operators' transition.
References
Álvarez-Antelo, D., Lauer, A., & Íñigo Capellán-Pérez. (2024). Exploring the potential of a novel passenger transport model to study the decarbonization of the transport sector. Energy, 305, 132313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2024.132313
Angeles, A. N., Mae, B., Aguilar, J. E., & Abante, K. (2024, December 12). Assessing PUV modernization program industry consolidation and financing towards just transition for transport workers. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.16897.77920
Arcaño, A., Kyra, K., De Guzman, L., Sales, D., Timothy, J., Tan, C., Kervin, J., Lucas, & Fillone, F. A. (n.d.). Proposed improvement of the public transport service routes in Northern Iloilo, Region VI, Philippines. https://ncts.upd.edu.ph/tssp/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TSSP2022_03.pdf
Aruta, J. J. (n.d.). Climate injustice: Lessons from the Philippines jeepney modernization programme. The Lancet Journal, 2024.
Bauer, J. M., & Herder, P. M. (2009). Designing socio-technical systems. In A. Meijers (Ed.), Handbook of the philosophy of science. North-Holland. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B978044451667150026
Bell, M. (2022). Lewin's change management model. Mind Tools. https://www.mindtools.com/ajm9l1e/lewins-change-management-model
Biona, J. (2020). Transitioning towards sustainable: A case study of the public modernization program in the Philippines. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 8.
Bizzarri, F., Giuliani, A., & Chiara Mocenni. (2022). Awareness: An empirical model. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.933183
Board, L. T. (2017, December 13). Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. https://ltfrb.gov.ph/puv-modernization-2/
Chuenyindee, T., Ong, A. K. S., Ramos, J. P., Prasetyo, Y. T., Nadlifatin, R., Kurata, Y. B., & Sittiwatethanasiri, T. (2022). Public utility vehicle service quality and customer satisfaction in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilities Policy, 75, 101336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jup.2022.101336
Collier's Encyclopedia: History of transportation. (1992). MacMillan Education Co.
Commission, O. o. (2020, December). Office of the Transportation Commission. https://otc.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/PUVMP.pdf
Cudis, C. (2019, September 30). Commuters await PUV modernization. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081862
Department of Transportation. (2020). DOTr Home. https://dotr.gov.ph/
Department of Transportation. (2021). Guidelines on the specifications of PUJs (Class 1, 2, and 3) and UV Express Service (Class 3) per type or denomination covered by D.O. No. 2017-011. Legaldex. https://legaldex.com/laws/guidelines-on-the-specifications-of-pujs-class-1-2-and
Department of Transportation. (2023). Guidelines on the implementation of Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). https://dotrgovph-my.sharepoint.com/personal/miss-cnsd_dotr_gov_ph1/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fmiss%2Dcnsd%5Fdotr%5Fgov%5Fph1%2FDocuments%2FDOTr%20Website%2FFile%20migration%202024%2FIssuances%2FDepartment%20Orders%2F2023%2FDOTr%20DO%202023%2D022%20Guidelines%20on%20the%20Implementation%20of%20PTMP%2Epdf&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fmiss%2Dcnsd%5Fdotr%5Fgov%5Fph1%2FDocuments%2FDOTr%20Website%2FFile%20migration%202024%2FIssuances%2FDepartment%20Orders%2F2023&ga=1
Department Order 2017-011 omnibus guidelines on the planning and identification of public road transportation services and franchise issuance. (2021, February 17). One Planet Network. https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/knowledge-centre/policies/department-order-2017-011-omnibus-guidelines-planning-and-identification
Dimalanta, R., & Morales, A. (2024). Examining the PUVMP through a just transition lens: The experiences of selected "consolidated" jeepney operators in Bacolod City, Philippines. https://cids.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Examining_PUVMP_Just_Transition_Lens_Jeepney_Operators_Bacolod3.pdf
Edward R. Freeman, S. D. (2021). Stakeholder theory and the resource-based view of the firm. Journal of Management, 47(7), 1757–1770.
European Commission. (2021). Mobility strategy. https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/mobility-strategy_en
Gaspay, S., Arse, & Salison, J. (2024). Business models, enabling factors, and current challenges. https://icsc.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ICSC_Report-1.2_The-Economics-of-EJeepney-Transport-Operations_14Mar24.pdf
Gatarin, G. R. (2023). Modernizing the "king of the road": Pathways for just transitions for the Filipino jeepney. Urban Governance, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ugj.2023.11.002
GMA. (2015). LTFRB: Unconsolidated jeeps, UV Express can operate in low consolidation routes. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/913404/ltfrb-unconsolidated-jeeps-uv-express-can-operate-in-low-consolidation-routes/story/?utm_source
Guno, C. S., Collera, A. A., & Agaton, C. B. (2021). Barriers and drivers of transition to sustainable public transport in the Philippines. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 12(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj12010046
Gutterman, A. S. (2023, March 13). Stakeholder theory. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369194606_Stakeholder_Theory
Hazard, J. L. (1977). Transportation: Management, economics and policy. Cornel Maritime Press, Inc.
Kusuma, N. (2023, March 9). Is jeepney phase-out a just transition to sustainable transport system? Green Network Asia. https://greennetwork.asia/news/is-jeepney-phase-out-a-just-transition-to-sustainable-transport-system/
Land Transportation Office. (2023, January 22). PUVMP: Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program Philippines. LTO Portal PH. https://ltoportal.ph/puvmp-public-utility-vehicle-modernization-program/
Lewis, B. (2024, July 18). Canada Public Transit Fund to invest C$30 billion in public transit during next decade. Mass Transit. https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/article/55126851/canada-public-transit-fund-to-invest-c30-billion-in-public-transit-during-next-decade
Litman, T. A. (2009). Transportation cost and benefit analysis: Techniques, estimates and implications. Victoria Transport Policy Institute.
LTFRB. (2017). Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. https://ltfrb.gov.ph/puv-modernization-program/
LTFRB. (2023, July 27). Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/memorandum-circular-no-2019-013/
Mae, T., Kester, A., German, J., & Jenn. (2024, May 7). Implications of the progression to sustainable public transportation: An insight into modern jeepney shift from the Philippines. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380410639_Implications_of_the_Progression_to_Sustainable_Public_Transportation_An_Insight_into_Modern_Jeepney_Shift_from_the_Philippines
Malasique, A. M. P., Rubio, W. R. C., & Rosete, M. A. L. (2022). Analyzing the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) to the employment of PUV drivers in the Philippines. Journal of Industrial Engineering & Management Research, 3(1), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.7777/jiemar.v3i1.250
Manila Bulletin. (2023). Find win-win solution to PUV modernization challenges. https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/26/find-win-win-solution-to-puv-modernization-challenges?utm_source
Manuel, R. (2019, September 13). I'm a jeepney driver in the Philippines. Here's what I'm afraid of. VICE. https://www.vice.com/en/article/jeepney-driver-phillippines-against-phase-out-modernisation/
Mark Y. Tacderas, et al. (2021). Examining the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. Philippine Transportation Journal, 4(1).
Mateo-Babiano, I., Recio, R. B., Ashmore, D. P., Guillen, M. D., & Gaspay, S. M. (2020). Formalising the jeepney industry in the Philippines: A confirmatory thematic analysis of key transitionary issues. Research in Transportation Economics, 83, 100839. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.retrec.2020.100839
Meiners, J. (2016, December 23). The history of the jeepney, the Philippines' mass-transit solution. Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15344340/the-history-of-the-jeepney-the-philippines-mass-transit-solution/
Monzon, J., Bayanin, L., & Villagarcia, E. (2023). Public utility modernization programs: Global trends and implications for the Philippines. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.19683.73766
Monzon, J., Bayanin, L., Villagarcia, E., Selga, M., & Vallespin, M. R. (2023). Public utility modernization programs: Global trends and implications for the Philippines. Far Eastern University–Manila, Institute of Accountancy, Business, and Financing.
Newman, M. (2017, October 27). Orbos pushes PUV modernization. https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/10/27/orbospushes-puvmodernization/?fbclid=IwAR32WAfhVHw7RIKdX-cT68NVeyllan1hzNi3yJYFzt2HffYZ2DgSv5qsSM
Owen, W. (1964). Strategy for mobility: Transportation for the developing countries. East-West Center Press.
Peñalosa, E. (2020). Sustainable urban transport. MIT Press.
PIO. (2022, October 7). Republic of the Philippines, Province of Albay Region V. https://albay.gov.ph/2022/10/modernized-transport-systems-mpuv-launching-continues-in-bicol-region/
Platform, C. A. (2024, March 1). Cleaner and modern public transportation in the Philippines. Climate Adaptation Platform. https://climateadaptationplatform.com/cleaner-and-modern-public-transportation-in-the-philippines/
Pontawe, J., & Napalang, M. (2018). Examining the potential significance of industry consolidation and fleet management in implementing the DOTr's PUV Modernization Program: A case study of 1TEAM. https://www.ncts.upd.edu.ph/tssp/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/TSSP2018-17.pdf
Popioco, M., & Morales, Y. (2017). Jeepney modernization program kicks off next month. https://cnnphilippines.com/transportation/2017/06/20/Jeepney-modernization-program-kicks-offnextmonth.html?fbclid=IwAR1pfCtYLDc1YhWOyuGAXu6RzqPIKt4zpcx8RCc0VTyoXEAsKSPtUTlAQM
PUVMP: Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program Philippines. (2023, January 22). LTO Portal PH. https://ltoportal.ph/puvmp-public-utility-vehicle-modernization-program/
Ramir Angeles, N. A. (2024). Assessing PUV modernization program industry consolidation and financing towards just transition for transport workers. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.16897.77920
Ramos, L. S. (2021). Assessing the readiness of UV Express transportation system in the Philippines. Transportation Research Record, 1–14.
Rañola, R., & Go, G. (2021). Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program in the Philippines: Challenges and prospects. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 11.
Relativo, J. (2023a, July 14). Jeepney, UV Express consolidation still at 64.4% ahead of 3-day strike. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/07/14/2281040/jeepney-uv-express-consolidation-still-644-ahead-3-day-strike?utm_sourcecom
Relativo, J. (2023b, December 28). Unconsolidated jeepneys, UV Express "allowed to operate" until Jan. 31, 2024. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/12/28/2321963/unconsolidated-jeepneys-uv-express-allowed-operate-until-jan-31-2024?utm_source
Resume technical proficiencies definition (with examples). (2024). Indeed Career Guide. https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/technical-proficiencies#:~:text=Technical%20proficiencies%2C%20also%20known%20as,perform%20digital%20or%20physical%20tasks
Rievaj, V., Gaňa, J., & Figlus, T. (2018). Driver training. Department of Road and Urban Transport, Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications, University of Zilina.
Ritika Mahajan, W. L. (2023). Stakeholder theory. Journal of Business Research, 166, 114104.
Roba Abbas, K. M. (2023). Socio-technical theory. In TheoryHub Book. https://open.ncl.ac.uk/theory-library/socio-technical-theory.pdf
Rodrigue, P.-J. (2020). The geography of transport systems (5th ed.). Routledge.
Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Simon & Schuster.
Safeopedia. (2014). What is operating practices? Safeopedia. https://www.safeopedia.com/definition/1491/operating-practices
Sancia. (2024, August 19). Japan unveils new multimodal transport innovations. Jusda Global. https://www.jusdaglobal.com/en/article/japan-multimodal-transport-innovations/
Slack, N., Chambers, S., & Johnston, R. (2007). Operations management. Pearson Education Limited.
Sunio, V. (2024). Long-term service contracts for the mobilization of private financing for the reform of the informal public transport sector. ScienceDirect.
Sunio, V., Joseph Li, W., Pontawe, J., Dizon, A., Bienne Valderrama, J., & Robang, A. (2022). Service contracting as a policy response for public transport recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic: A preliminary evaluation. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 13, 100559. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2022.100559
Tacderas, M., Clarice, A., Ng, L., Jon, N., Tolentino, Y., Tiglao, N., & Herrera, C. (2021). Examining the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in General Santos City, Philippines: An industry perspective. https://ncts.upd.edu.ph/tssp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/13-TSSP2021-PUVMP-in-Gensan.pdf
Ubaidillah, N. Z., Sa'ad, N. H., Nordin, N. A., Baharuddin, N. N., Ismail, F., & Hassan, M. K. H. (2022). The impact of public bus service quality on the users' satisfaction: Evidence from a developing Asian city. Review of Applied Socio-Economic Research, 23(1), 83–96. https://doi.org/10.54609/reaser.v23i1.185
Varsolo Sunio, I., Mateo-Babiano, I., Rivera, J., Anne Patricia Mariano, & Fillone, A. (2024). Long-term service contracts for the mobilization of private financing for the reform of the informal public transport sector in the Philippines. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 101166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstp.2024.101166
What are the definitions of a government according to various authors? (2017). Quora. https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-definitions-of-a-government-according-to-various-authors
What is financial capacity? (2016). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/financial-capacity/54394
What is financial problems? (2015). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/financial-distress-and-health/47382
What is operational issues? (2022). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/towards-a-framework-for-planning-international-student-instruction/109441
What is private firms? (2019). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/earnings-management-and-audit-in-private-firms/71563
What is regulatory aspects? (2022). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/an-ergonomic-perspective-of-software-validation-in-the-medical-product-manufacturing/107789
Yu, L. S. (2023, December 29). PUV consolidation deadline stays as gov't vows to prevent transport crisis. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/business/puv-jeepney-consolidation-december-31-deadline-stays/?utm_source
Z. Detera, E. I., & Hanbal, I. F. (2024). Development of a Utility Vehicle Express System framework using design thinking process for the Province of Albay. TEM Journal, 2218–2225. https://doi.org/10.18421/tem133-49
Zulueta, T. M. T., Ong, A. K. S., German, J. D., Gumasing, M. J. J., & Chico, J. C. D. (2024). Implications of the progression to sustainable public transportation: An insight into modern jeepney shift from the Philippines. Sustainability, 16(10), 3912. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103912
