The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is crafting a new policy that will prohibit the renewal of franchises of dilapidated public utility vehicles (PUVs) nationwide, its chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said.
Mendoza said the proposed measure aims to improve the country’s public transport system and ensure safe, reliable, and comfortable service for commuters.
“We will adopt a new confirmation process. We will not confirm a franchise if the vehicle is dilapidated,” Mendoza said.
He said the LTFRB would aggressively push transport reforms amid mounting complaints from commuters and based on his own experience using public transport.
Mendoza recalled riding a passenger jeepney in the Visayas where there was “a big hole in the middle of the passenger platform.”
He also cited the poor condition of several jeepneys in the National Capital Region, noting torn and dirty seats and improper attire worn by some drivers.
“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,” he said.
In some cases, Mendoza said drivers were wearing sandos, shorts, and slippers while operating public transport vehicles.
He said commuters do not deserve substandard transport services and must be treated with respect.
The LTFRB, Mendoza said, is embarking on aggressive reform programs starting with stricter inspection and monitoring of PUVs nationwide, including jeepneys, taxis, and passenger buses.
“We in the LTFRB are tasked by law to regulate public transport in the country, ensure road worthiness, guarantee that only competent and well-trained drivers are behind the wheels of PUVs, ensure passenger safety, the efficiency of the transport system, and the comfort and convenience of the riding public,” he said.
