LTFRB orders 23 operators of PUVs, terminals to explain violations

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued 23 additional show cause orders (SCOs) to operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) and PUV terminals in Metro Manila for failing to comply with requirements on adequate terminals and roadworthy, safe vehicles.

In a statement, the LTFRB – National Capital Region said it has issued a total number of 50 SCOs to PUV and terminal operators as of Saturday.

This is line with directives to “ensure compliance with franchise terms and conditions which require every PUV operator to have a sufficient and existing garage, compliant terminals, and roadworthy units, among others.”

The SCOs compelled the PUV and terminal operators to submit a verified response to the LTFRB-NCR office on March 17.

The verified answer should address the operators’ failure to comply with the LTFRB’s requirements on safe, comfortable, adequate terminals for passengers and for roadworthy PUVs.

The LTFRB-NCR said it will not entertain any motion to dismiss in the verified response and that any ground for dismissal should be included in the response.

The operators’ failure to file their answer and appear during the hearing shall be considered a waiver of their right to be heard, with the LTFRB deciding on the case based on the evidence it has gathered.

Last week, the LTFRB-NCR issued 10 SCOs to operators of dilapidated jeepneys in Quezon City after conducting surprise, random inspections of terminals and PUVs.

LTFRB-NCR regional director Zona Russet Tamayo urged operators to strictly comply with the agency’s policy issuances and reminded PUV operators to ensure the roadworthiness of their units.

“LTFRB-NCR will conduct its random operations in different parts of Metro Manila in the succeeding days, hence, operators are forewarned to strictly comply with LTFRB policy issuances and franchise terms and conditions,” the LTFRB-NCR added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News