62

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary of findings that the researchers have

analyzed, conclusions, as well as its recommendations to help improve this study and the

future researchers.

Summary

The government’s answer to both the country’s growing transportation-related

issues and its anticipated future transportation demand is the Public Utility Vehicle

Modernization Program. Department Order No. 2017-011, also known as the Omnibus

Guidelines on the Planning and Identification of Public Road Transportation Services and

Franchise Issuance or the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG), was issued by the

Department of Transportation on the 19th day of June year 2017. This launched the

PUVMP with the aim of improving the nation’s public transportation system by elevating

both commuting and public transportation operations to levels that are acceptable by

international standards. Also, the program aims to give the people a more comfortable,

safe, and easy access to public transportation in the Philippines.

This study focuses on the current updates on the implementation of the Public

Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, specifically to traditional jeepneys, in Gubat,

Sorsogon. This aimed to identify the level of satisfaction of the users of the transportation

service, especially of the commuters from the municipality of Gubat. Moreover, this also

included the common problems they have been experiencing that is eventually affecting
 63

their customer satisfaction perspectives with regard to the service of modernized

jeepneys.

The study utilizes the descriptive qualitative and quantitative survey method of

research. Survey questionnaires, which are the research instruments, were distributed to

gather the data needed in order to suffice the necessary information of the study. This was

conducted to a total of 400 respondents who were drivers, commuters, and operator in the

municipality of Gubat, Sorsogon.

Findings

1. The study presented the status of the implementation through the updates given by

the Gubat Transport Cooperative who were the implementers of the program.

Through the conducted interview, it showed an improved stability of the

implementation. After complying with the needed requirements and documents,

they started their operation which was mainly influenced by the concept of

business and the compliance to the government’s mandate. They started with 10

units back in 2019, and as of today they already have 23. Their employees also

doubled in numbers which proved that there is increase in demand. Furthermore, a

single vehicle unit costs 2.5 million pesos which is a huge amount for an ordinary

person. By this, they have Gubat Saint Anthony Cooperative which helps them in

acquiring units through their loaning services. This being said, there is still no

return of investment for they are still in the process of paying the acquired units.

Moreover, their operation hours also adjusted because of the demand’s increase.

From their daily income of Php 14,637.00 during the pandemic, it went up to Php
 64

94,000.00 as of today. In terms of fare, the GTC is complying with the LTFRB’s

fare matrix. This is one of the common issues they are experiencing. The Gubat

Transport Cooperative have developed solutions in order to address these

problems. Overall, a significant difference may be noted between the program’s

pandemic and post-pandemic phase. There are more of these modernized jeepneys

available, and more people are utilizing them.

2. The level of satisfaction in terms of the five aspects of the modernized jeepney is

generally satisfactory, with an average weighted mean of 2.35 for safety and

comfort, 2.30 for reliability of travel time, and 2.32 for drivers, conductors, and

staff. Factors such as shortened travel time, regular operating hours, and uniform

schedule of operations influenced the commuter's satisfaction. Factors such as

proper compliance to the 20% discount fare to students, PWD, and senior citizens,

and the convenient fare collection system also influenced the respondents' level of

satisfaction. Lastly, factors such as spacious seats, enough ceiling heights, and

having sufficient priority seats influenced the respondents' level of satisfaction.

Based on the responses of both the commuters and drivers’ respondents, the level

of satisfaction in terms of the five aspects of the modernized jeepney is generally

satisfactory, but there are still problems that should be addressed.

3. The study's overall findings revealed that the following problems were

encountered by commuters on their travel. The fare is too expensive. There is no

enough information provided regarding the route and transters on terminal and

jeepneys. Long waiting time in the terminal because of the insufficient number of

units on peak-hour. It is over crowded with passengers standing in the middle

aisle. The inside of modernized jeepney is poorly ventilated and inside is not

clean. The operation hours of the modernized jeepney is too short. Too noisy and

poor ventilation inside the modernized jeepney. Inconvenient payment system.

The driver and conductor are rude. And lastly, it doesn't feel secure inside the

modernized jeepney.

4. Fares should be properly regulated to ensure they are available to everyone. There

is insufficient information about routes and transfers at terminals and jeepneys, so

providing proper information helps disseminate information and raise public

awareness. Additionally, additional upgraded jeepney units should be provided to

accommodate commuters. Regular cleaning and maintenance of modern jeepneys

should also be considered to ensure comfort and space. Modern jeepneys have too

short service hours, so extending service hours is a good solution for commuters

who need to stay longer. Written regulations in terminals and jeepneys should

improve ventilation, and the overall environment and atmosphere should provide

a good environment for commuters and drivers. Fare rules should be monitored

regularly and conductors and drivers should be disciplined and competent.

Finally, safety measures should be improved to reduce anxiety on modern

jeepneys.

Conclusions

In terms of public transport, the jeepney is unique to the Philippines, and over the

years there have been debates and discussions about replacing the outdated jeepney with

more effective public transportation to cater to the needs of commuters and improve the

transportation service in the country. Furthermore, in 2017, the DOTr launched the PUV
 66

Modernization Program, with the objective of making the nation's public transportation

system effective and sustainable by 2020.

Based on the findings of the study, the researchers draw the following conclusions:

1. Gubat Transport Cooperative was the first to acquire franchise of the PUV

Modernized Jeepney in Bicol Region, in the midst of the pandemic on 2020, the first

2 years of the operation was quite challenging due to the restrictions during the

pandemic, but when the restrictive measures were lifted the status of the

implementation gradually improved and became more stable. The current status of the

operation has the improvements in the aspects such as the number of units, daily

income, the increased number of employees and the standards of hiring and training

of drivers.

2. The commuters and drivers are satisfied with the safety and comfort, reliability of

travel time, fare regulation, discipline and competence of the drivers, and the space

inside jeepney, which are the main factors that should be offered in a modernized

jeepney. This concludes that the modernized jeepney in Gubat, Sorsogon and its

operation has been effective in complying to the implementation of the government’s

PUV Modernization Program that aimed to develop an improved modern transport

system that benefits the mass, especially the commuters and drivers.

3. Though commuters are clearly satisfied with the use of modernized jeepneys in

Gubat, Sorsogon, there are still problems encountered throughout their travels. These

problems affect the commuters’ general satisfaction with the services provided to

them. Furthermore, it is also evident that commuter satisfaction is based on the

spaciousness of modernized jeepney, fare regulation, travel time reliability, safety,

and comfort as well as disciplined and competent drivers

4. This concludes that the modernization program of the PUVMP Jeepneys in Gubat,

Sorsogon is adequate and sufficient however problems in fare, information, jeepney

units, maintenance, service hours, ventilation, competency of staff, and safety

measures are hurdles in the accommodation of services. There is a requisite to

regulate, provide, upgrade, maintain, extended service hours, improve ventilation,

assess staff, and revamped safety measures in reducing apprehensions. The Gubat

Transport Cooperative encounters problems and inefficiency affecting commuters but

resolutely acts upon measures recommended to address it.

Recommendations

The following recommendations were proposed in view of the findings and

conclusions:

1. The Gubat Transport Cooperative (GTC) should continue to make improvements

with regard to the services provided by these modernized jeepneys. Through

these, it shall enhance the stability of the PUV Modernization Program in Gubat,

Sorsogon.

2. The GTC should have a better structure in implementing the program. In terms of

safety and comfort, GTC should improve their means to secure the passenger's

safety by regularly checking the vehicle itself, its CCTvs, and tools essential for

emergency use or purposes. To better improve the reliability of travel time, the

GTC should strictly implement their regular operating hours to avoid travel
 68

disruptions. The GTC should have seminars and activities promoting code of

conduct of drivers to avoid conflicts between them and the commuters. Regular

maintenance for the cleanliness of the vehicle should be strictly followed for the

passenger's comfort. Also, priority seats for the elders and PWDs should always

be vacated for them to occupy.

3. The GTC, in all means, should have ways to address the usual issues commuters

experience when using the service of these modernized jeepneys.

4. In addressing those common problems, the GTC should take note of the possible

solutions to those issues to improve their service, and for better implementation of

the program in the locality of Gubat, Sorsogon.

5. The national government should have a clear vision of the PUV Modernization

Program’s implementation. Precise details about the program should be fully

disseminated to avoid confusions, especially to those drivers and operators of

traditional jeepneys who are the most affected by the said modernization program.

6. The government should provide solutions in the continuing problems with regard

to the implementation of this PUV Modernization Program across the country.

They should have a better structure of the implementation since it still brings

confusion to a lot of people even though the implementation started 6 years ago.

7. Lastly, while modernization is necessary, the government should provide and

make efforts for the traditional jeepney owners to adhere to the basic standards of

public transportation vehicle that guarantees the convenience of both drivers and

passengers while yet keeping their vintage appearance.