In line with the goal of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) to provide commuters with an adequate, comfortable, safe, and environment-friendly public transportation, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will launch the Public Transport Modernization Expo: Modernong Sasakyan, Progresibong Bayan today at the Philippine Convention Center (PICC) Forum in Pasay City.

The event will showcase different prototypes of modern PUVs, and also highlight the program’s benefits both for commuters and operators. 

The event will be led by DOTr officials, along with Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Atty. Martin B. Delgra III, and Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante.

DOTr Secretary Art Tugade said that the expo aims to encourage all stakeholders to keep an open mind about the PUVM program. He said the exhibit will offer a peek into what modern road public transportation looks like. 

“They say the measure of a country’s progress is the state of its public transportation, and today, we are affirming our commitment to change the sorry-state of public transportation in the country. Today, we will show you the future. Today, we will show you what progress looks like,” said Tugade.

At the expo, various modern PUV prototypes will be on display, such as: five (5) low-floor Public Utility Buses (PUBs), twenty (20) PUVs (Classes 2 and 3), and three (3) e-tricycles. Manufacturers and body builders of the modern PUVs shall have their designated areas at the PICC where stakeholders may inquire about the design, technical specifications, performance, and efficiency of vehicles among others. 

Apart from manufacturers and exhibitors, representatives from the DOTr, LTFRB, LTO,  Office of Transport Cooperatives (OTC), and Government Financial Institutions such as the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) will be present to answer queries about the PUVMP.

The PUVMP is a transformational large-scale initiative and flagship project of the Duterte administration, which envisions a restructured, well-managed, and environmentally sustainable transport sector.