MANILA — The Department of Transportation on Wednesday launched its "PUV stops" that it said are aimed at enhancing “the efficiency and safety of public transportation”.

In cooperation with the Manila city government, two PUV stops were unveiled at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Ermita, Manila.

The transportation department noted that the initiative is aligned with its “broader goal of improving mobility and accessibility for commuters.”

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The stops feature modern components like charging stations, CCTV and solar panels.

They also have tactile pavers and PWD ramps to make them more accessible to persons with disabilities, pregnant women and senior citizens.

The modern sheds also offer racks, repair stations and a route map for bicycles to help encourage active transport.

Dr. Robert Siy Jr., who represented Move As One Coalition, underscored the importance of having accessible public transport for all.

“Our roads in our major cities are filled with cars but the reality is that only 6% of Filipino households are car owners and in greater Manila, the figure is less than 12%," he said. 

"So most Filipinos, most Metro Manilans rely on public transport, walking and cycling to move around everyday.”

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“This is what we need for every locality for safe and dignified travel. Let this be a model that every LGU in every part of our country can emulate,” Siy added.

DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Jesus ‘Andy’ Ortega called the new PUV stops a symbol of modernization and a long-term solution to public transport woes.

“Ang bawat detalyeng sinama sa PUV stops na ito ay bunga ng masusing pag-aaral at konsultasyon. Ito ay naglalayon na magbigay ng pinakamahusay na serbisyo sa ating mga commuters, sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.

(Each detail in these PUV stops is a result of research and consultation. This is meant to give the best service to our commuters, our people)

The transport official also noted the importance of partnership with stakeholders such as local government units and mobility groups.

“Atin po ‘to. Tulungan po nating ma-maintain, mapatagal, malinis at maayos po ang ganitong PUV stops. Pag ito po ay naging maayos ang ating pagha-handle, sigurado po ako, other LGUs sa buong Pilipinas ay gagaya na po at mas maraming makikinabang na commuters,” he added.

(This is ours. Let's help keep this clean and maintained for a long time. If we can do that, I'm sure other LGUs across the Philippines will follow your lead and this will benefit more commuters) 

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna meanwhile stressed the importance of urban planning by promoting alternative mode of transportation and walkable spaces for pedestrians.

“Isa po sa mga pangarap ng lungsod ng Maynila ay sa mga susunod na taon, maging walkable ang lungsod ng Maynila magsimula po sa Luneta hanggang umabot tayo ng Ongpin,” she said.

(One of the dreams of the City of Manila is for it to be a walkable city in the coming years, from Luneta all the way to Ongpin)

For now, there are eight "PUV stops" across Metro Manila, according to the DOTr.

The agency plans to put up more in strategic parts of the metro and even nationwide.

Ortega said the designated PUV stops are meant to be the official stops for public utility vehicles in the city.

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