Socio-economic impacts of PPP on transportation infrastructure development: the case of PUJ drivers and commuters in south Luzon Expressway

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the socio-economic impacts of public-private partnership on transportation infrastructure development on commuters and PUJ drivers in South Luzon Expressway. This research aimed to know whether PPP has truly promoted the interest of the public and to evaluate the PPP strategy of the government in providing transportation infrastructure using the perspective of the people to whom it is intended for. To gather the needed data, survey questionnaire was used. The survey included 60 commuters and 30 jeepney drivers. The researcher initially studied and analyzed the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents before the implementation of the toll hike and then compared it to their current situation. The results showed that PPP in SLEx only worsen the socio-economic situation of those who regularly pass the said tollway, especially the jeepney drivers. The burden of the toll falls on the jeepney drivers because an increase in toll does not necessarily translate to an increase in fare. The commuters, on the other hand, are not directly affected. The results also showed that though SLEx physically improved, the respondents believe that these improvements are not worth the increase in toll. The data gathered proved that PPP failed miserably to deliver its promises of improved services, increased efficiency and lower costs. The researcher believes that the vicous cycle of corporate takeover of the government, debt and onerous user fees, created by PPP, must be stopped from further oppressing the people.