Modernization, yes, but make it genuine

Agham Advocates of Science and Technology for the People expresses support for Piston and other groups opposing the planned phaseout of jeepney units older than 15 years. The government plan includes replacing old jeepney units with e-jeepneys or Euro-4 compliant units that will be imported. These units have lower carbon and environmental footprints compared to traditional models, albeit much more expensive.

While we agree that there is a need to upgrade and modernize our transportation sector, it should not be done at the expense of small drivers and operators. The planned jeepney phaseout would undoubtedly result in the economic displacement of 600,000 drivers and 250,000 operators who have no way of financing the hefty cost of the new jeepney models. According to previous reports, these new models cost P900,000 to P1.2 million each.

We also assail the intention to hand over the management of jeepney fleets to private companies that are behind the planned phaseout.

In the guise of “modernization,” the government would ease out small drivers/operators to pave the way for the entry of private corporations in the management and control of public transportation. We have seen how the privatization of our train lines has resulted in lofty fare increases for profit. This is bound to happen again if the corporatization of jeepney fleets pushes through.

Instead of corporatization, the government should help the drivers/operators handle the management of a fleet under a cooperative system where control and ownership of the fleet still rest with them. It should also aid the drivers and operators in shouldering the cost of new technology, within justifiable and viable terms.

Modernized jeepneys have a role to play in developing the country’s mass transport. However, Agham also noted that mere reliance on the importation of new technology wouldn’t lead to genuine “modernization.”

If the government is true to its goal of developing the transport sector, it should start by ensuring that domestic manufacturing of automobile and spare parts is present and vibrant. Without such an industry to provide the necessary spare parts to maintain and repair vehicles, any new transport technology would suffer the same fate the jeepney manufacturers have gone through.

CLENG JULVE, campaign officer, Agham Advocates of Science and Technology for the People