Not brand new, but still

roadworthy, says LTFRB

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 10 (PIA)—It may not be brand new unit, as long as a public transport passes the standards for safety and road-worthiness, that old unit can still get you that franchise you have been dreaming of.

This came out from no less than the Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Transport Development Officer Eugenio Ebo Jr., during his recent guesting at the Capitol Reports.

Ebo’s statement calmed public transport operators who have been complaining about the very steep requirements which the new Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Plan (PUVMB) initially intended to implement a phaseout of the clunky smoke-belching jeeps and buses that do more harm than good to the environment.

PUVMB aims to fundamentally transform the public transport system in the country making both commuting and public transportation operations more dignified, humane, and on par with global standards.

To be implemented with ten components: regulatory reform, local public transport route planning by the local government, route rationalization study, fleet modernization, industry consolidation, financing PUV modernization, vehicle useful life program, pilot implementation, stakeholders report mechanism and communication, the PUVMB is set to provide comfortable, wifi and charging stations, accessible, reliable and predictable, environmentally sound and safe public transport that is at par with global standards.

Public transport operators however think that the requirement for Euro 4 vehicles which reduces toxic sulfur from the engine emission is way too expensive for them at this time, and this could affect the overall bulk of transportation services available if the old units can not be used anymore.

On this, Ebo calmed the nerves of operators saying that the new guidelines in securing a franchise is now becoming much easier.

Old units, according to him can still be used as long as the Land Transportation Office certifies these as roadworthy.

As to the ever aggressive behavior of public utility vehicles in competing to get more fares, the new guidelines demand for a modernized vehicles equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking for efficient route management, route speed limiters and automated fare collections.

Authorities impress that this does not phase out the traditional jeepneys but convert them into modernized versions with improved safety and technological advancements.

However, the franchising officials stressed that individual public transport service would be consolidated into a bigger more coordinated fleet with a common revenue sharing and fleet management system for easier facilitation in the operators securing government financial help and more systematic salary schemes for drivers who are motivated to operate their units in a systematic and predictable manner, based on LTFRB memorandum Circular 2023-017. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

ROADWORTHINESS. Transport Development Officer at the LTFRB-7 Eugenio Ebo Jr., assured operators that the PUVMP still accepts old units as long as these can pass the LTO roadworthiness standards, and that the individual owners have consolidated themselves for better fleet management. (PIABohol)