By Alexandria Dennise San Juan
With the number of passengers traveling to provinces for Holy Week expected to spike this Holy Wednesday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is reminding public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, as well as commuters, to prepare safety measures before hitting the road.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) (MANILA BULLETIN)
As part of the implementation of the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) "Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2019," the LTFRB has issued safety reminders for both PUV drivers and commuters traveling this holiday.
For PUV drivers, the agency reminded them to always check the roadworthiness of their vehicles and make sure that brakes, engine, batteries, tires, lights, and air-condition units are in good working condition.
Drivers should also avoid "driver fatigue", adding that public utility buses (PUB) drivers are only allowed to drive for six hours straight.
The LTFRB said that an alternate driver on standby is required for trips longer than six hours.
Drivers should also not drive while under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs or similar substances.
Other measures listed by the LTFRB for PUV drivers were:
-Be aware of the road conditions and be extra careful especially when driving along accident-prone areas.
-Observe traffic rules and always wear your seat belt;
-Do not forget to bring your valid driver’s license and other important documents necessary for the trip.
-Be courteous to all passengers.
-Do not charge more than what is prescribed and approved by the LTFRB.
For passengers, LTFRB has advised them to plan their travel ahead of time to be prepared.
Passengers were also urged to take only vehicles with valid franchises and not to ride on "colorum" PUVs, as well as to only use designated bays or terminals when getting in or off vehicles.
On fare discounts, passengers were encouraged to remind PUV drivers of the 20 percent discount for students, persons with disability (PWDs), senior citizens, as well as uniformed members of the AFP, PNP, and PCG.
The agency also told them to report to the PUV operator/driver any defective signal lights, poorly-maintained tires, and damaged side mirrors to avoid road accidents.
The LTFRB encouraged all travelers to report colorum" PUVs and other violations through contacting LTFRB’s 24/7 hotline at 1342, Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD) at (02) 426- 2515/ 426-2534, or the contact information of the concerned Regional Offices, posted at terminals and on LTFRB’s Official Facebook Page.