The Western Visayas Transport Cooperative (WVTC) traces its roots to the 2017 launch of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). Emerging from the Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Operators’ and Drivers’ Association (ICLAJODA), the group actively collaborated with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to advance jeepney modernization in Western Visayas. After overcoming regulatory and organizational challenges, WVTC was formally registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on April 02, 2019, establishing itself as a legally recognized cooperative dedicated to transforming public transport.
The COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 disrupted operations, but WVTC demonstrated resilience by partnering with local governments to secure member support, implement health protocols, and refine strategies for recovery. Amid these efforts, the national government resumed transport consolidation under the PUVMP in mid-2020. By mid-2021, WVTC had successfully consolidated a majority of Iloilo City’s public utility vehicles (PUVs), aligning with modernization standards such as fleet upgrades and professional driver training.
A pivotal milestone came in June 2022 when the Iloilo City Council adopted the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), a framework WVTC helped shape through technical insights and stakeholder engagement. This plan laid the groundwork for efficient, accessible, and eco-friendly transit networks.
June 16, 2023, marked another historic achievement for WVTC, the official launch of its modernized jeepneys. These vehicles, equipped with energy-efficient engines, GPS tracking, and accessibility features for persons with disabilities (PWDs), began servicing key routes in Iloilo City. This rollout symbolized WVTC’s commitment to the PUVMP’s vision of safer, greener, and commuter-centric transportation.
Today, WVTC continues to lead innovations in public transit, balancing regulatory compliance with member welfare and passenger needs. From its origins as a grassroots alliance to its role as a pioneer of modernized transport, WVTC exemplifies the power of unity and perseverance in driving meaningful progress for communities and the transport sector.
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