The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Friday it is crafting a new policy that will prevent the renewal of franchises of broken-down public utility vehicles (PUVs) across the country.
LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said the move aims to improve the country’s public transport system and ensure commuters have access to reliable and comfortable transportation.
“We will adopt a new confirmation process. Wala po tayong iko-confirm na prangkisa kung sira-sira ang sasakyan,” Mendoza said.
The LTFRB chair vowed to aggressively push the reforms, citing his personal experience regarding the condition of passenger buses and jeepneys, including modern jeepneys.
Mendoza recalled riding a jeepney in the Visayas where a large hole was visible in the middle of the platform. He also noted that some jeepneys in Metro Manila have torn and dirty seats.
“I am talking about the modern jeepneys. I don’t even want to discuss the traditional jeepneys, and let me not get started with the taxis,” Mendoza said.
He added that the agency will begin implementing the reform through stricter inspection and monitoring of PUVs nationwide, including jeepneys, taxis, and buses.
“We in the LTFRB are tasked by law to regulate public transport in the country, ensure roadworthiness, guarantee that only competent and well-trained drivers are behind the wheels of PUVs, ensure the safety of our passengers, the efficiency of our transport system, and the comfort and convenience of the riding public,” Mendoza said.
Meanwhile, transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) recently conducted a mass filing for the renewal of provisional authorities, citing failures in the government’s jeepney modernization program.
The group said only 128,000 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) out of around 300,000 remain operational following the implementation of the modernization program. PISTON President Mody Floranda said around 500,000 jeepney drivers and operators were displaced.
“Nalubog sa utang at nagkandalugi ang mga pumasok sa konsolidasyon. Ang pinakamalaking kooperatiba sa iba’t ibang rehiyon ay nahatak na ang mga pinundar na modern,” Floranda said in a social media post on Monday.