LTFRB steps up PUV check, driver readiness for Holy Week exodus
photo: LTFRB
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered all its regional offices to start the conduct of intensified inspections on bus and other public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals in anticipation of the influx of travelers for the long Holy Week break.
LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said the inspection will focus on road worthiness of passenger buses and other PUVs to ensure the safety of all road users as more vehicles are expected to hit the road starting Wednesday.
“Our goal is to ensure the safety of commuters and other road users by ensuring the road worthiness of buses and other PUVs, as well as the physical and mental readiness of the drivers,” said Mendoza.
“Coordination with other government agencies like the local government units (LGUs) and law enforcement agencies should also be done to maximize the assistance and road safety rules implementation,” he added.
Aside from the road safety rules, Mendoza also tasked LTFRB officials to check on the condition of terminals and PUV hubs, with an emphasis on safety and comfort of passengers.
He said the basic conditions set in operating and managing PUV terminals must be complied by the operators and establishment owners.
The LTFRB earlier intensified the inspections on PUV terminals over complaints of dilapidated facilities that compromise the safety and comfort of the passengers.
Hundreds of terminal owners and operators were issued with show cause orders and notice of violations while some were shut down for gross violation of safety rules.
“Aside from the safety of PUVs on the road, we also have to make sure that all passengers are comfortable and treated well inside the terminals,” said Mendoza.
“There must be no excuses, violators should be called out and asked to explain why they should not be penalized,” he added.
Millions of people are expected to troop to the provinces to take advantage of the long vacation for the Holy Week break.
Mendoza earlier said that they expect more commuters this year as more motor vehicle owners may choose to commute due to the sharp increases in the price of petroluejm products in the past few weeks.