Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
Transport firms warned vs deploying colorum vehicles, overcharging commuters
Philippines
National
Transport firms warned vs deploying colorum vehicles, overcharging commuters
Transport firms warned vs deploying colorum vehicles, overcharging commuters
Published Apr 6, 2023 01:11 am
Amid the rush of people to go to their hometowns for the long Lenten break, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned public utility vehicle (PUV) companies to observe laws and other regulations pertaining to safe public transport.
LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III specifically warned transport companies against deploying coolorum vehicles, overloading and overcharging commuters.
“They should observe the laws or face heavy fines and penalties,” said Guadiz.
Guadiz issued the warning following reports of overcharging of fares by certain transport companies.
Also, some private vehicles may also operate as for hire or “colorum” without proper authority from the LTFRB, which is likewise prohibited by law.
Aside from private vehicles, the law defines “colorum” vehicles as PUVs that operate outside of its approved route, those that operate differently from its authorized denomination, like a tourist bus operating as a PUB, or a PUV with a suspended, cancelled, or expired Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).
“Transport companies should strictly follow the fare matrix provided by the LTFRB or face heavy fines and penalties,” said Guadiz.
For those found to be overloading, a fine of P5,000 is handed out on the PUV operator for the first offense, P10,000 plus impoundment of the unit for 30 days for the second offense, while the third offense metes a P15,000 fine plus cancellation of the CPC.
For PUVs found to be overcharging or even undercharging of fares, a fine of P5,000 for the first offense is imposed, P10,000 fine and impounding of the unit for 30 days for the second offense, and a fine of P15,000 and cancellation of CPC for the third offense.
“Colorum” vehicles, on the other hand, whether bus, truck, jeepney, van, sedan or motorcycle, a fine of P1 million, P200,000, P50,000, P200,000, P120,000, and P6,000, respectively, will be imposed, plus impounding of the vehicle for three months, for the first offense. This includes revocation of the CPC and blacklisting of the apprehended vehicle, and revocation of the registration of the apprehended vehicle.
For the second offense, revocation of all CPCs or the entire fleet of the operator, disqualification of the operator, and stockholders and directors if the operator is a corporation, from operating any kind of public land transportation, plus blacklisting and revocation of registration of all authorized units of the operator, await those who will violate.
Guadiz said passengers should be wary of transport companies, or even private vehicles that may operate as “for hire” vehicles, who might take advantage of the busy season.
During peak travels, some may take in more passengers than what their vehicles can accommodate safely. He reminded that overloading is not allowed in public transportation for it may endanger the lives of all those inside, the driver and conductor and more importantly, the passengers.
As people flock to the terminals and rushing to travel for the long weekend, Guadiz also encouraged travelers to observe other situations such as whether passengers like the elderly, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women are given priority for seating, are health protocols followed, are pets carried properly, or if medical and police assistance are available at the terminal.
“We encourage our dear passengers to remain vigilant and observant of certain situations that they think may violate their rights as passengers. This is ensure that they will travel safe and right and arrive at their destinations safe and sound,” said Guadiz.