At A Glance
- LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said ystery riders were already deployed to run after stinky PUV units that also have questionable road worthiness.
- Most of those apprehended are plying Metro Manila-Bulacan routes
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has deployed mystery riders that would focus on UV Express units that are dilapidated, stinky and questionable road worthiness.
LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said nine UV Express units were already apprehended since the mystery riders were deployed on Aug. 12 for those that ply the Bulacan-Metro Manila routes.
He said the operation stemmed from the complaints of passengers in relation to bad UV Express service in Bulacan. Most of the complaints are poor air-conditioning units, faded markings and unpleasant smell.
“Dilapidated, untidy and stinky PUVs have no place in the country’s public transportation system. Hindi na puwede ngayon ang okay pa, either the operators would shape up, or be shipped out,” said Mendoza.
He said a show cause order (SCO) was already issued against the nine UV Express operators, which asked them to explain in writing why their franchise should not be suspended or revoked, the violation is in relation to their failure to provide comfortable service to the public.
Aside from UV Express, the LTFRB has been targeting taxi, buses, passenger jeepneys and even ride-hailing services with dilapidated, untidy and stinking units. A number of SCOs were already issued in relation to these violations.
Mendoza himself has been personally going around Metro Manila to check on the condition of PUVs—his latest inspection resulted in the issuance of SCOs on three PUVs in the Intramuros area in Manila.
“We will do everything in our power to compel PUV operators to provide the best service they can give to the Filipino commuters because that is what they committed when they applied for the permit to operate,” said Mendoza.
He also urged the commuters to inform the LTFRB of any dilapidated and stinky PUVs that they would come across with, as well as erring and abusive drivers through the LTFRB hotline 1342, or through the agency’s social media accounts.