LTFRB warns PUV operators vs. overloading, overcharging, ‘colorums’

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday warned public utility vehicle (PUV) operators against overloading and overcharging, including those operating as “colorum” vehicles, as they may face heavy fines and penalties.

In a statement, LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said the warning was issued as travelers flock to transport terminals and go to their respective destinations as the long Holy Week break begins.

He said that overloading is not allowed in public transportation for it may endanger the lives of all those inside the vehicles.

The LTFRB chief warned against overcharging saying it is prohibited and transport companies should strictly follow the fare matrix provided “or face heavy fines and penalties.”

The Transport official also said “colorum” private vehicles or those operating as for hire without proper authority from the LTFRB is likewise prohibited by law.

Aside from private vehicles, PUVs operating outside of its approved route, those that operate differently from its authorized denomination, like a tourist bus operating as a PUB, or those with suspended, cancelled, or expired Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) are considered colorum.

For those found to be overloading, a fine of P5,000 will be imposed on the PUV operator for the first offense, P10,000 plus impoundment of the unit for 30 days for the second offense, P15,000 fine plus cancellation of the CPC for the third offense.

For PUVs found to be overcharging or even undercharging of fares, a fine of P5,000 for the first offense will be imposed, P10,000 fine and impounding of the unit for 30 days for the second offense, and a fine of P15,000 and cancellation of CPC for the third offense.

“Colorum” vehicles, on the other hand, whether bus, truck, jeepney, van, sedan, or motorcycle, a fine of P1 million, P200,000, P50,000, P200,000, P120,000, and P6,000, respectively, will be imposed, plus impounding of the vehicle for three months, for the first offense.

This includes revocation of the CPC and blacklisting of the apprehended vehicle, and revocation of the registration of the apprehended vehicle.

For the second offense, revocation of all CPCs or the entire fleet of the operator, disqualification of the operator, and stockholders and directors if the operator is a corporation, from operating any kind of public land transportation, plus blacklisting and revocation of registration of all authorized units of the operator, await those who will violate.

As people flock to the terminals and rushing to travel for the long weekend, Guadiz encouraged travelers to observe other situations such as whether passengers like the elderly, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women are given priority for seating, health protocols followed, pets carried properly, or if medical and police assistance are available at the terminal.—AOL, GMA Integrated News