BAGUIO CITY — Baguio is eyeing a major public transport overhaul promising more reliable rides, wider route coverage and stable driver incomes, but transport groups are warning that modernization must not come at the expense of livelihoods.
The proposed pilot for Baguio, La Trinidad and Tuba seeks to redesign routes around commuter demand, expand service to underserved communities and bundle existing routes into six to eight packages. Transport enterprises would operate under performance-based contracts with the city.
Under the proposed gross-cost model, operators would be paid according to vehicle-kilometers traveled, rather than relying mainly on passenger fares. The scheme aims to curb cutthroat competition and make less profitable feeder routes viable, with payments tied to punctuality, safety and service reliability.
But transport groups have challenged the city’s route-rationalization process.
The Baguio-Benguet Movement Against Jeepney Phaseout and Piston Metro Baguio criticized the lack of meaningful consultation, warning that route consolidation could displace drivers, reduce livelihood opportunities and favor larger businesses. They called for a more democratic planning process that includes drivers, operators, and commuters.
Transport groups have also pushed alternatives to a one-size-fits-all modernization policy.
In Baguio, jeepney leaders have called for government subsidies of at least P1 million per driver and proposed retrofitting existing units with cleaner engines to ease the cost of replacing vehicles.
National transport groups have likewise urged financial assistance and a phased rollout, with modernization prioritized on financially viable routes while traditional jeepneys remain an option on routes unable to support new units.
The proposed Baguio model would give drivers regular shifts and predictable pay, while digital ticketing and GPS monitoring would track service delivery.
Scrappage incentives, monthly dividends for surrendered units and lease-to-own financing for modern or electric vehicles are also being considered.
These safeguards would, however, need clear funding, enforceable guarantees, and transparent rules to win operators’ trust.
The bigger challenge is to modernize public transport without forcing drivers to shoulder costs.
Whether the pilot succeeds will depend not only on better routes and cleaner vehicles, but also on meaningful consultation, affordable financing and a credible transition plan for the workers who keep Baguio moving. — Artemio A. Dumlao