The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has stepped up its campaign against poorly maintained public utility vehicles (PUVs), leading to the apprehension of nine UV Express units following passenger complaints.
The LTFRB Law Enforcement Unit, led by Atty. Sherwin Vizconde, conducted the operation after the agency deployed mystery riders to assess the actual condition of UV Express services, particularly those operating between Bulacan and Metro Manila.
The nine apprehended units were found to have issues that matched complaints raised by passengers, including inadequate air-conditioning, faded markings and unpleasant odors.
LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said the agency would continue going after operators who allow dilapidated or poorly maintained vehicles to serve commuters.
“Dilapidated, untidy and stinky PUVs have no place in the country’s public transportation system,” Mendoza said, warning operators that they must improve their services or risk losing their authority to operate.
The LTFRB has issued show cause orders to the nine operators, requiring them to explain why their franchises should not be suspended or revoked for failing to provide adequate and comfortable service.
If an operator’s Certificate of Public Convenience is canceled, the vehicle will no longer be allowed to operate under the franchise.
The crackdown is not limited to UV Express units. The LTFRB is also inspecting taxis, buses, passenger jeepneys and ride-hailing vehicles for similar violations, with show cause orders already issued against some operators.
Mendoza has also been conducting personal inspections across Metro Manila. His latest rounds in the Intramuros area resulted in show cause orders being issued against three PUVs.
The LTFRB said the mystery-rider initiative was launched in response to complaints about poor UV Express services in Bulacan. Unlike conventional inspections, mystery riders allow the agency to assess the passenger experience firsthand and determine whether reported problems are actually occurring during regular operations.
Mendoza urged PUV operators to take responsibility for the condition of their vehicles and the quality of service they provide.
The LTFRB also encouraged passengers to report dilapidated or poorly maintained PUVs, as well as erring or abusive drivers, through its 1342 hotline and official social media channels.
(PHOTO CREDIT: LTFRB Facebook page)