The government continues to intensify its campaign against dilapidated public utility vehicles as it expands operations within the peripheries of Metro Manila beginning today (Jan. 26), an official of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic said Thursday.
Areas within Mega Manila such as Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Antipolo in Rizal will now be subjected to the council’s “Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” campaign, the on-road inspection of PUVs.
“These areas affect traffic in the metropolis as most commuters coming from these provinces are working in Metro Manila,” I-ACT Task Force Alamid chief Manuel Gonzales said.
He said the expanded operations will be headed by 120-strong I-ACT composite team consisting of personnel from Metro Manila Development Authority, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Police – Highway Patrol Group, and Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, in close coordination with the respective local government units.
“The primary concern of the council’s expansion of operation is to ensure the safety of riding public not only in the metro but in other areas of the country, as well, as it is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to modernize the public transport system nationwide,” Gonzales said
I-ACT chief and MMDA general manager Thomas Orbos have likewise received requests from Cebu and Davao for the council to bring its operations in their cities but it has yet to commit as it is still strengthening its forces by adding logistics and manpower from member agencies.
Apprehended PUVs are obliged to undergo Motor Vehicle Inspection System test at the Land Transportation Office main compound in Quezon City.
The vehicles will all go through five stages of inspection procedure at the MVIS Center, which include the testing of brakes, suspension, speedometer, and headlights.
The MVIS is used to test road-worthiness of public conveyances. Failure to pass said inspection test which consists of 60 points test of roadworthiness will result in the suspension of their franchises until they pass said exam.
Body (appearance), engine, lights, brakes, tires, horn, battery, and smoke emission are some of the items included in the roadworthiness test.