I will be doing a series of articles here on public transportation. More specifically, I will try to answer the question in the main title of the series – Is there really a shortage of public transportation in Metro Manila?

The quick answer probably is “yes” but we need to examine this concern from different perspectives and reasons so we can be objective about the “why” part of the shortage. Shortage may mean a real lack in terms of the number of public utility vehicles (PUVs) with approved franchises or perhaps the number actually operating on any given day. These two are actually different because it is possible to have fewer PUVs operating compared to the approved number or to have more PUVs operating than the approved number. The latter means there are “colorum” or illegal operations (i.e., vehicles providing public transport services without franchises).

Among the reasons why there is a perceived shortage of public transportation are as follows:

1. Fewer than the number of franchises approved are operating.
2. PUVs are not able to make a reasonable turnaround (e.g., due to traffic congestion).
3. PUV drivers and operators refusing to operate their vehicles.
4. Other factors.
5. Any combination of the above including “all of the above.”

I hope I can write about these in a manner that can be easily understood – in layman’s terms.

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