The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Thursday conducted a roadworthiness inspection of jeepneys at the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza said the inspection covered several processes, including visual inspection, side slip testing, suspension testing, brake testing, emissions testing, sound testing, and headlight assessment.

Jeepneys undergoing roadworthiness checks are examined both under the chassis and above the chassis, with a total of 57 inspection items evaluated per vehicle.

For the above-chassis inspection, vehicles are checked for interior conditions, including passenger seats. Under-chassis inspections cover components such as brake linings, the radiator, and shock absorbers.

“We are undergoing inspection of about 57 items, both visual and automated inspection,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said the inspection demonstrates what needs to be maintained to ensure public utility vehicles are roadworthy ahead of full nationwide implementation.

“Pinapakita natin sa ating mga stakeholders para kung ano pa ang dapat ayusin, baguhin, before we do full implementation nationwide... Ang atin naman, bibigyan natin sila ng pagkakataon kung bumagsak man para ayusin yung dapat ayusin,” he said.

Public utility vehicles that pass the inspection will be entered into the agency’s digital records and marked as safe to operate. Mendoza stressed, however, that drivers and operators must continue maintaining their vehicles, as random checks will be conducted.

“It’s an ongoing process. Hopefully we can instill in the minds of drivers and operators that they are truly our first line of defense, the first line of compliance, and that their vehicles are always roadworthy,” Mendoza said.

The LTFRB has also been crafting a new policy that would prevent the renewal of franchises for dilapidated public utility vehicles nationwide as part of efforts to improve the country’s public transport system.

Mendoza said the agency is finalizing the policy and aims to submit it to the Department of Transportation for approval.

“Hopefully by next week it will be approved. Well, it's a no-brainer. We really need to make sure (of roadworthiness),” he said.

The LTFRB also said it is planning to conduct bus inspections next week.