LTFRB goes after 226 ‘dirty, dilapidated’ taxis, buses
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Wednesday that it apprehended 226 public utility vehicles (PUVs) that were “dilapidated” or “untidy” from June to July.
Of the total, 178 were taxis that LTFRB enforcers flagged down in a series of operations conducted in Caloocan and Quezon City based on reports from passengers about dilapidated units.
Also apprehended were 48 passenger buses on NIA Road and Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City, in the vicinity of the Monumento Light Rail Transit station in Caloocan City, and Robinsons mall in Antipolo City.
“We already sent show cause orders to the operators. We asked them to explain why their franchise should not be cancelled or revoked for operating untidy and dilapidated units,” said Sherwin Vizconde, head of the LTFRB Law Enforcement Division.
No excuses
“There must be no excuses for dilapidated, untidy and stinking 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 LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza.
“If these are being violated, then we have no choice but to strip them [of] 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,” he added.
