The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has announced that all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors will be required to undergo comprehensive road safety training as a prerequisite for franchise renewal.
LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III emphasized that the mandatory training aims to reduce road accidents involving PUVs while ensuring that drivers are well-versed in traffic rules and safety protocols.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 2024-040, the LTFRB will establish the Driver’s and Conductor’s Academy Program (DCAP), which includes accrediting driving schools to conduct training and implementing mandatory road safety education for PUV drivers and conductors.
Training Requirements and Implementation
All drivers and conductors of existing franchise holders with valid Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC), Provisional Authority (PA), and Special Permits (SP) must complete the LTFRB-designed training course.
- Training Fee: ₱2,000 per participant
- Duration: Minimum of two days, maximum of eight days
- Training Components:
- Lecture on road safety
- Psychological assessment – Evaluates drivers’ fitness to operate a vehicle and their response to stressful situations, including anger management
- Basic first aid and life support – Equips drivers and conductors with emergency response skills in case of accidents
The program will initially be rolled out in Metro Manila, focusing on bus and truck drivers and conductors. After three months, it will expand to other metropolitan areas. In its second year, the program will include UV Express and jeepney drivers, with motorcycle taxis and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) added in the final phase.
“This will not be a one-time nationwide implementation. The training will be introduced gradually,” said Chairperson Guadiz.
Strict Compliance and Certification
To ensure adherence, the LTFRB will establish monitoring systems requiring PUV operators to hire only drivers who have completed the road safety training.
Upon course completion, accredited driving schools will electronically transmit a certificate of completion to the LTFRB. Training modules will be provided by the LTFRB upon accreditation of driving schools.
Addressing the Alarming Rate of Road Accidents
Chairperson Guadiz highlighted the urgent need for road safety training, citing data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA):
- 2022: 58,000 road crashes (average of 157 incidents daily)
- 2023 (January–July):44,493 road crashes
- 32,800 resulted in property damage
- 11,525 were non-fatal injuries
- 168 were fatal accidents
“Road safety in public transport is a fundamental policy that ensures the well-being of Filipino commuters. However, data shows a significant number of road incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities,” Guadiz stressed.
The LTFRB believes that by instilling professionalism, courtesy, and effective communication, the Driver’s Academy Program will not only enhance road safety but also improve the overall quality of service provided by PUV drivers and conductors.