LTFRB to tap online platform for service contracting program applications

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday said it will use an online platform in receiving applications for the government’s Land-Based Service Contracting Program (SCP) for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators.

In a statement, LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza II said this is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order in a recent meeting to expedite assistance for commuters amid the high prices of fuel products.

“Even in times of challenging situations like this, we always make it a point that the LTFRB delivers the fastest and most convenient way of reaching out to our clients,” Mendoza said.

The President earlier met with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the LTFRB to discuss various assistance packages such as the fuel subsidy program and SCP. Marcos later announced the approval of these measures in a video message last week.

The additional P10 per liter fuel subsidy is now being finalized while the SCP is now accepting applicants for buses that will be utilized for the EDSA Carousel and feeder routes.

The same program is also available for UV Express and modern jeepneys nationwide, as well as modern and traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila and urban areas in the provinces.

Mendoza said qualified operators can apply online via the Land-based SCP (LBSCP) Registration System with the following requirements:

• Consent to the LTFRB Terms and Conditions
• Bank account under the name of the qualified operators
• Vehicle plate number & case number, and
• Global Positioning System (GPS) provider

There will be a manual monitoring of the PUVs in areas that have no cellular signal for the GPS.

The LTFRB committed to expedite the processing time – including the evaluation and onboarding – within 24 hours upon receipt of application to take part in the SCP.

The start of the operation schedule will be sent via the LBSCP registration system, Mendoza added.

Earlier, the DOTr asked for an additional P5 billion from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to expand and extend the SCP for PUV operators and drivers beyond its initial two-week run, which will begin on April 15.

The first phase of the SCP has an allocated initial budget of P1 billion – P800 million for road transport and P200 million for maritime transport. — JMA, GMA News