LTFRB to become more strict on public vehicles

By Carlito Dar

BAGUIO CITY -- The Land Transportation Regulatory and Franchising Board’s (LTFRB) top executive bared here policies on public vehicles saying the agency will intensify its monitoring of public utility vehicles to  ensure public safety of the riding public.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said here last week he   directed all  his  regional directors to conduct intensified physical inventory and inspection of public utility vehicles especially provincial buses that are plying long routes,  to ensure these units are safe, dependable and environment-friendly.

He cited the Department of Transportation and Communication’s moratorium only buses that are below 15 years old can be renewed or registered for public transport service.

For taxi and UV van express,  the  DOTC has a 13 years phase-out policy,  he said.

Ginez added,  they have increased accident claim from P75,000 to P150,000 under  their Passenger Accident Liability Insurance (PALI) program.

Ginez  who was  in town as  guest speaker during the kick-off program of DOTC-CAR’s silver anniversary,  urged personnel  headed by regional director Celina Claver  to continue their unity and work to ensure the transportation system responds to the needs of the people in the region

He also had a dialogue with transport group officials and representatives from  different parts of the region, to hear their concern and provide answers to their queries.