Is the PUV modernization fair, equal or equitable?
Government’s public-utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, as
launched recently, is allegedly welcomed by commuters and by most transport
groups, provided all relevant laws are enforced strictly and its objectives of
making vehicles “safer, more convenient, more comfortable and
environment-friendly” are laudable, BUT that’s just one perspective.
Good intentions are there, but equipment change will not necessarily
change the system, and ROAD HABITS. And for the commuter, most of us may not
realize that the government is PASSING THE COST OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO US.
A one-size-fits-all solution can’t lift everyone up. That’s equality,
and equality does not always elicit true fairness. We need to put in the extra
work and give everyone what they need and consider their unique circumstances
to achieve a true WIN-WIN SOLUTION.
Equal treatment is actually not fair, for this erases our differences
and promotes privilege. With last week’s strike, it only means that not
everyone’s needs are met and some may not even be fully aware of the situation
(Government passing the cost to commuters!).
And in social media, sad to say, but almost everyone fails to acknowledge
their own privilege while being insensitive to other affected parties’ plight
and circumstances.
Based on the image, our current situation is our “reality”. The PUV-modernization/
tries to provide everyone with the same resources and supports to overcome a
barrier or reach a threshold (Equality - a fair, same starting point). So, what
can we do?
Increase Subsidy
What I can see in the PUV modernization that needs to be tweaked is the
subsidy – it needs to be increased to at least make it equitable. The calculations
are one sided and does not address the hidden costs (fuel/electricity, maintenance,
loan payments, insurance ..etc.), the burden is too much for the drivers
(e-Jeepney prices = SUVs).
The government can address this by turning it into a bond investment
(10-year T-bill with 3-5% interest perhaps?) which helps keep e-jeep costs down.
Equity - provides individuals with the resources and supports they need
to overcome barriers or reach a threshold. This is only fair when there are
enough resources to go around.
But it still lacks a lot of incentives. I tried to wrack my brain with
additional solutions but it gets more complicated and more headache. So… why
not..
Scrap the whole thing and keep
it simple
This is Liberation – which represents the removal of (Systemic)
barriers or imposed thresholds that cause disadvantage rather than provision of
resources, supports for everyone.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SHOULD BE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSIBILTY, I mean look at
other countries. Our regulators are passing the cost to the drivers and
commuters, what a farce! Start-up a GOCC and nationalize public transport.
Heck, consider PPP if we really can't afford it. This way, the government is in
a better position to help change/regulate the whole transport system itself.
The drivers can get proper compensation, health benefits via
Philhealth, SSS/GSIS, Pag-ibig. Public safety is increased as government can
dictate the proper (re)training as well as scrapping the franchising system
that causes a lot of disorder in the roads. Time saved on the road will be
billions as workforce productivity is recovered over time.
“He who seeks equity, must do
equity.” – Joseph Story
Equality-Equity-Liberation Reference: http://inclusivesportdesign.com/resources/equality-equity-and-the-role-of-fairness-in-inclusive-sport/
Original Image: http://interactioninstitute.org/illustrating-equality-vs-equity/
; https://twitter.com/urbandata/status/695261718344290304
Is the PUV modernization fair, equal or equitable?
Reviewed by Vernon Joseph Go
on
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Rating:

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