By Atty. Roland Collado
E-Future Motor Philippines, maker of electric vehicles (EVs) is poised to set a landmark record in the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) by creating “green” transport routes in the city.
We will see their proliferation soon with the Mindanao Daily Transport Cooperative (MINDEX) as the first cooperative in Cagayan de Oro to operate e-jeepneys. E-Future Motor Philippines is working on zero-carbon urban transport system in line with the government’s clean and green transport environment.
The electric vehicles of E-Future will put in place the readiness of green routes, charging stations, and other support programs, thereby ensuring sustainability for the e-vehicle project. It can be recalled as well that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has approved the reduction of tariffs to zero for electric vehicles.
The start of MINDEX operations of e-jeepneys will open up potential market for public utility electric vehicles not only in Cagayan de Oro but seen to spread out across the region.
We see the transformation of the public transport system as the precursor of the success of the implementation of the transport modernization program.
However, the transport sector in Cagayan de Oro in particular and in the entire region in general faces several challenges like poor road quality, congestion, the high proportion of private to public vehicles, limited investment in transport infrastructure and road safety issues. The Philippines loses P3.5 billion daily due to traffic, according to estimates by Japan’s development cooperation agency.
The losses are expected to triple by 2030 if congestion is not addressed with a sense of urgency. Bureaucratic processes are also viewed as a hurdle to infrastructure projects.
I also see here the risks the government encounter include the delay in the implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) due to various internal processes and requirements.
There is also a strong need to tailor-fit practical solutions to adapt to the country’s transport modernization program.
For instance,
there is an urgent need for the removal of red tape so those who want to participate have the leeway to implement the program with ease in the compliance of basic requirements.
One of the main complaints of the private sector is the number of permits being required by proponents in this project. As a transport lawyer, I see that there is much overlap in the responsibilities of local and National Government agencies, resulting in the delayed implementation of the PTMP.
What is badly needed here is to build capacities in the national government and LGUs in streamlining the requirements. The process of fare regulation must be depoliticized to allow transport operators to realize returns on investments.
I think one area of concern is the greater adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure. Government operations can become more transparent with better ICT infrastructure now that we are moving towards the global digitalization.
The government should also create an enabling environment for the private sector to invest in, citing incentives, frameworks, and a clear pipeline to help the transport sector achieve its goals.
The public should be involved in the decision-making process for key infrastructure projects like the PTMP. The government should never underestimate public sentiment. In every forum or consultation, the public should be there and be invited by the government so they can articulate their ideas.
There will be no real public impact if we fail in implementing the PTMP. Every step of the way, the public should be involved. Our roads and streets are overweight with traffic and pollution problem hence the urgent need for a public-private partnership.
Now is the time to seriously consider changes in the transport sector, putting in place measures that reflect a more affordable way and environment-focused strategy most beneficial in the pursuit for clean and green environment to mitigate climate change and global warming.
Lets go clean and green in the transport sector!
