Delgra says P2P policy on UV Express not new

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chair Martin Delgra III on Monday clarified that the point to point (P2P) policy for UV Express is not new.

In an interview on News To Go, Delgra said UV Express vehicles originally operate on P2P basis under the agency’s policy in 2005.

“Hindi po itong bagong polisiya,” Delgra said.

However, in 2009, through Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2009-19, the LTFRB allowed UV Express to drop off and pick up passengers within the two-kilometer radius outside terminals.

Delgra said drivers do not follow this policy.

“Nakikita rin natin na yung mga UV Express, nagbababaan, nagsasakayan ng mga pasahero hindi na doon mismo sa loob ng two-kilometer radius kundi kung saan-saan na,” he said.

Due to this, the LTFRB amended the MC and ordered UV Express to load and unload passengers only at terminal, which means UV Express are not allowed to drop off and pick up passengers in other areas.

“Kaya inaayos lang natin yung konsepto ng UV Express as originally designed, kaya nagpalabas tayo ng bagong MC,” Delgra said.

The P2P policy for UV Express already took effect on May 16, Delgra said.

According to a report on News To Go, those who will violate the policy can be sanctioned with breach of franchise.

At first offense, violator will be fined with P5,000 while a second offense will cost the violator P10,000. Suspension or cancellation of franchise will be imposed to the violator at third offense. Aside from this, the driver’s license may also be suspended.

Some of the passengers support the policy, while some are opposed.

Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) president Ariel Inton on Sunday suggested establishing selected drop off, pick up stops for UV Express instead of the P2P basis.  —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News