The (Crooked) Road to Modernity: Analyzing the Socioeconomic Impacts of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program to the Livelihood of the Jeepney Drivers and Operators in Pasay City, Metro Manila

Abstract

The jeepney has been a trademark of the Philippine transportation system. Known for its colorful, creative and locally-inspired designs, the jeepney has been around since the mid-1900s and has provided transport services to the Filipino people since then. In 2017, the government implemented the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program to modernize old and dilapidated jeepneys, organize the public transport system by forming cooperatives or corporations, and create a systematic route plan. The program received opposition from various transport groups and primary stakeholders because of its costly and unfair economic requirements. The study aims to investigate the PUVMP and its socioeconomic impacts on the jeepney drivers and operators, as well as the program impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research involves jeepney drivers and operators in selected areas in Pasay City. The study used qualitative research methods such as interviews, thematic analysis, and document analysis to gather data. The results found that the traditional jeepney drivers do not have the means to comply with the modernization program due to expensive costs, including cooperatives fees, high monthly amortization dues, and the hefty price of modern jeepney units. Meanwhile, the jeepney drivers currently employed in the cooperatives are experiencing financial difficulties due to low passenger demand, shorter routes, and high monthly amortization fees. As a result, the cooperatives are having trouble paying their monthly dues to the bank and are still operating under the boundary system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, jeepney operations were halted and leaving the drivers and operators hungry and jobless. Hence, they found alternative livelihoods to survive. They also experienced difficulties as passengers substantially decreased, leading to lower income. The modernization program only puts them into a tight loophole leaving them in a circular path of economic injustice.