DOTr forms committee to review PTMP amid transport group concerns

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has established a special committee to review the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), following concerns raised by various transport groups, including Manibela which held a three-day transport strike last week.

Led by DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Non-Infrastructure Ramon Reyes, the committee will consult with stakeholders, evaluate the program's status, and address any issues related to PTMP implementation.

The committee includes members such as the Office of Transportation Cooperatives chair Mon Ilagan and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief.

The DOTr expects the committee to submit its recommendations within a week to help accelerate PTMP implementation and address grievances from transport operators.

Initiated in 2017, the PTMP seeks to replace old jeepneys with Euro 4-compliant models to reduce pollution and enhance road safety but has faced challenges due to high costs exceeding P2 million per modern jeepney.