By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On Thursday (Nov. 14), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III warned public utility bus and terminal operators to strictly implement various terminal and public utility vehicles (PUV) requirements.
He made the call following an inspection with Senator Raffy Tulfo on select terminals in Metro Manila where they found numerous violations in the facilities and equipment of the terminals and bus units, such as fees collected for the use of comfort rooms, no fire extinguishers in the bus units, and worn-out tires.
Guadiz told the terminal operators to strictly implement various terminal and PUV requirements, among which are a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), closed-circuit television (CCTV) with continuous recording of the past 72 hours of operation, a valid fire extinguisher (unit and terminal), free access and use of sanitary facilities on all terminals, stations, and stop over, standard for sanitary facilities for Land Transportation Facilities, and submission of an OTS-approved security plan.
The LTFRB chair also reminded the bus terminal operators that collection of fees to access sanitary facilities is prohibited, and that they must designate priority/express lanes and install diaper-changing tables inside the restrooms within the bus terminal.
“The terminal requirements must be strictly followed in order to provide our passengers a reliable, safe, accessible, environment-friendly, dependable, efficient, and comfortable public transportation throughout the country,” Guadiz said.
He said terminal operators allowing colorum vehicles to use their facilities shall be penalized.
The LTFRB chief explained that all requirements were stated in various Department of Transportation (DOTr) orders and policies.
“Any PUB and Terminal operators that fail to comply with the above requirements shall be subject to the penalties provided by the circulars covering the above requirement, or under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, or as may be determined by the Board,” said a memorandum released by the LTFRB dated November 8, 2024.
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