LTO urges PUV drivers, operators to ensure roadworthiness before Undas

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday reminded drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to ensure their units are roadworthy and comply with regulatory requirements ahead of the expected influx of passengers during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, or Undas.

The LTO conducted roadworthiness inspections at terminals in Metro Manila.

LTO Director II Allan Nobleza said that during the inspections, one driver tested positive for illegal drugs, while no one tested positive on the alcohol breath analyzer.

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Three buses used unauthorized improvised license plates, and one bus had expired fire extinguishers. Nobleza also said they discovered a colorum private vehicle, he added.

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READ: LTO: 51 out of 52 buses in Metro Manila terminals pass roadworthiness

“Let’s ensure that our units are roadworthy and that the wheels are working properly to avoid accidents. We need to remember that the government, LTO, and DOTr are implementing road safety programs and promoting road safety awareness to ensure our passengers’ safety,” Nobleza told reporters.

“They need to comply with regulations because the safety of our passengers is at stake. That’s why they need to ensure that the buses are roadworthy,” he added.

READ: LTFRB to PUVs: Honor mandatory PWD discounts, ensure accountability

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Nobleza said authorities confiscated the license of the driver who tested positive for illegal drugs. The license would be revoked if the driver also tested positive in the confirmatory test.

He warned that buses using unauthorized improvised license plates would be impounded.

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Nobleza also cautioned passengers against riding colorum vehicles, saying these were taking advantage of the Undas exodus. Despite the risks, many passengers continued to patronize these vehicles because they offered cheaper fares.

“These are colorum vehicles with no franchise, provisional authority, or CPC (Certificate of Public Convenience). They pose a risk to passengers because they have no insurance and create traffic,” he said.

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The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board earlier said it had approved special permits for 1,131 buses for this year’s Undas. /mcm