IN WHAT LOOKS more like an effort to resurrect jeepney phaseout, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) hinted at an imminent crackdown against public utility vehicles deemed “unworthy” on public roads.
In a statement, LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II called on transport operators and companies to take the initiative of improving the road worthiness and presentability of their units — or stay off the roads.
By his own admission, Mendoza said that the LTFRB is already on its final stage of finalizing the policy that will prevent the franchise renewal of run-down PUVs, specifically the iconic traditional jeepneys.
“Ensuring that all their PUVs are presentable and in good condition is not only a condition set for the issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience but a way of respecting their passengers,” the LTRFB chief said
“We will not allow Filipino commuters to be disrespected through dilapidated jeepneys and other PUVs. We will be firm on this because what is also at stake here is the safety of commuters,” he added.
Citing personal experience of riding untidy and dilapidated jeepneys, Mendoza earlier declared an intensified campaign against run-down PUVs which include passenger-hailing jeepneys and other modes of public transportation.
He however clarified that the crackdown won’t commence until after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) approves the proposed policy, even as he claimed that the crackdown isn’t intended for jeepney phase-out but to ensure an improved public transport system.
