CEBU CITY – The Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (LTO-7) is set to activate its “Oplang: Biyaheng Ayos” in anticipation of the high volume of passengers during the Holy Week.
DOCUMENTS of a public utility vehicle are being checked during last year’s enforcement of ‘Oplan: Biyaheng Ayos’ by the Land Transportation Office-7. (File photo from LTO-7)
LTO-7 Regional Director Glen G. Galario said the agency will be on heightened alert starting Sunday, March 24.
"We will start deploying our personnel in major terminals in the region by Sunday wherein they will conduct random inspection of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to make sure that they are road-worthy and ready for the influx of passengers going back to their provinces and others taking their vacation," said Galario.
While on heightened alert, random road and terminal inspections will be conducted by LTO-7 in partnership with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
The conduct of random inspections seeks to ensure that no “colorum” vehicles will be plying on the road to take advantage of the influx of passengers.
The LTO-7 will coordinate with local government units and the Philippine National Police to implement traffic management and make sure that roads are safe for motorists and passengers.
"We want to ensure the safety, security, and sanitary health compliance of all motorists, the general public, and other road users leading to places of worship and other pilgrimage areas," added Galario.
Apart from the intensified road and terminal inspections, the LTO-7 will also strengthen its "Oplan: Isnabero” which will run after taxi or PUV drivers who refuse to convey passengers to their destinations.
Oplan: Isnabero will focus on the over and undercharging of fares, contracting of passengers or operation with flagged-up meters, failure to provide fare discounts, and other acts constituting a breach of the condition of their franchise, Galario said.
Field Enforcement Units are also mandated to enforce pertinent provisions of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Galario assured the public, especially commuters, that help desks will easily be accessible should they need assistance in their travels.
"Our goal here is to make sure that our motorists and commuters will have a safe journey during this long holiday. Their safety is our main concern and we hope to have a collaborative effort to make this Oplan Biyaheng Ayos another success," said Galario.