AFTER announcing plans to ban unsafe and run-down public utility vehicles (PUVs) from renewing their franchises, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Sunday vowed to go after illegal PUV terminals nationwide, particularly in urban areas.
“For a very long time, the welfare of our fellow commuters has always been ignored. This must stop, and right now we are initiating aggressive reform programs that will focus on the safety and welfare of the Filipino commuters,” LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said.
Mendoza said illegal terminals often serve as hubs for “colorum” vehicles and are major sources of corruption. Many of these terminals are located in unsafe areas with substandard facilities, lacking protection from the elements, clean restrooms, and comfortable spaces for pregnant women, children, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.
“These conditions go against LTFRB policy on public transportation terminals. Safety and comfort of passengers must always be the top priority,” Mendoza said.
He emphasized that “colorum” vehicles are unregistered and uninsured, leaving passengers and their families responsible for medical and burial expenses in cases of fatal accidents.
The LTFRB chair said the crackdown will cover not only roadside and makeshift terminals but also illegal operations inside malls and other business establishments. Terminals allowing colorum vehicles to operate will not be accredited, and their officials may face criminal charges.
To enforce the policy, the agency will deploy mystery passengers to locate illegal terminals, particularly in Metro Manila and other urban centers, and coordinate with other government agencies in investigations. All LTFRB regional directors were also ordered to conduct random and surprise inspections of all reported bus stations and PUV terminals in their areas.
“We should not wait for the holidays to conduct inspections, and let me make this clear, those who would not comply should expect consequences,” Mendoza said. He added that the agency’s operations will not stop at removing illegal terminals but will include investigations to hold accountable those responsible for maintaining and supervising them.
The LTFRB urged all PUV operators to use only accredited terminals. “If they would support non-accredited terminals, then their franchise may be suspended and eventually be revoked,” Mendoza said.