LTFRB drops GPS tracker, shifts to QR system in service contracting rollout

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has removed the mandatory use of GPS trackers in its service contracting program (SCP), replacing it with a QR code-based system to reduce costs for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said the adjustment was made in response to concerns from drivers and operators over additional expenses tied to compliance requirements.

The change comes as the government rolls out the SCP along the EDSA Carousel, part of the government’s efforts to provide short-term financial relief to transport workers grappling with high fuel prices.

Transport groups earlier raised concerns about the need for global positioning system (GPS) devices on public utility vehicles included in the program.

Under the revised guidelines, drivers are no longer required to install GPS devices, which had been flagged as an added financial burden. Instead, trip monitoring will now rely on QR codes that must be scanned at designated stops to log trips and validate service.

“Immediate solution po ito. Hindi ito permanent solution, pero kailangan natin bigyan ng agarang tulong ang ating transport workers (This is an immediate solution. It is not a permanent solution, but we need to provide urgent assistance to our transport workers),” said Mendoza, who inspected EDSA Carousel.

He emphasized that the SCP, while temporary, is meant to ease the financial strain on both drivers and commuters.

“Hindi naman ito forever, pero malaking tulong ito sa ating mga mananakay at sa ating mga transport workers,” he added. (This is not forever, but it will be a big help to commuters and transport workers.)

More than 30,000 PUVs nationwide have been enrolled in the program, which operates on a performance-based payment scheme rather than passenger volume. However, the initial P800-million budget may only sustain the program for about two weeks.

The LTFRB has requested a P5-billion supplemental budget to expand coverage and extend implementation, as demand for inclusion continues to grow.

“Sa ngayon, limitado pa. Pero kapag lumabas ang supplemental budget, mas mapapalawak pa ito at mas marami ang makakasama (For now, it is still limited. But once the supplemental budget is released, this can be expanded and more drivers can be included),” Mendoza said.

Despite the revisions, transport group Manibela continues to push for alternative measures, including higher fuel subsidies, arguing that current interventions remain insufficient.

The LTFRB maintained that the SCP, alongside other forms of assistance, serves as an interim solution while broader policy responses to fuel prices are being addressed.

“Naiintindihan namin ang hinaing na kakaunti pa ito. Nakikinig naman ang gobyerno, kaya may paparating na tulong (We understand the concern that this is still limited. The government is listening, and more assistance is on the way),” Mendoza said. —AOL, GMA News