Authorities apprehended a total of 226 taxis and passenger buses as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has stepped up its operation against dilapidated and untidy public utility vehicles (PUVs).
LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said 178 of those apprehended were taxis while the rest were passenger buses, adding that the operations were conducted in transportation hubs in Quezon City, Caloocan City and Rizal.
The operations were conducted from June to July this year.
“There must be no excuses for dilapidated, untidy and stinky public transportation units. That is clear and simple, and that is based on the rules and regulations that PUV operators are fully aware of when they sought for the authority to operate,” said Mendoza.
For Mendoza, operating dilapidated and untidy PUV units are a form of disrespect to the commuters.
“If these are being violated, then we have no choice but to strip them with the privilege to operate PUVs for disrespecting not only the commuters but the entire public transportation system that we seek to further improve and professionalize,” said Mendoza.
“Filipino commuters deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by PUV drivers and operators,” he stressed.
A show cause order was already issued to the operators of the apprehended units, according to Sherwin D. Visconde, head of the LTFRB Law Enforcement Division.
He said the operations were focused in areas where most complaints were received and were based on the surveillance of LTFRB personnel.
“Filipino commuters deserve better. Those who violate the regulations on cleanliness and presentability of units have no place in our public transportation system,” said Visconde.