The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is urging all transport groups and operators to ensure the roadworthiness of their units amid the looming strict implementation of a policy that will prevent the franchise renewal of dilapidated public utility vehicles (PUVs).
LTFRB chairperson, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, said Feb. 2 that ensuring that all PUVs are presentable and in good condition is not only a condition set for the issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) but a way of respecting passengers.
“We will not allow commuters to be disrespected through dilapidated jeepneys and other PUVs. Hindi na uubra yan ngayon because what is also at stake here is the safety of commuters,” Mendoza said in a statement.
He earlier announced an intensified campaign against run-down PUVs amid complaints—and personal experience—of untidy and dilapidated jeepneys and other modes of public transportation.
He said the policy is now being finalized before it will be submitted to the office of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez for review and approval.
This early, he said that transport operators and companies should take the initiative of checking their respective units as he warned that run-down PUVs will no longer be allowed to operate.
“We are not phasing out passenger jeepneys in this campaign. Ang gusto nating mangyari ay ayusin naman nila at huwag ipilit na butas-butas yung upuan at bakbak na ang mga pintura ay ipipilit pa,” Mendoza explained. “Bigyan naman natin ng respeto ang ating mga pasahero at dignidad ang ating public transportation.”
He also urged transport groups to oblige their drivers to be presentable amid complaints that some of them are wearing sandos, shorts, and slippers. ||
