LTFRB to deploy 'mystery riders' vs dilapidated PUVs

Cracking down on dilapidated public utility vehicles, "mystery riders" monitoring PUVs will be deployed nationwide, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

Mystery riders, typically young people employed and trained by the LTFRB, will ride PUVs incognito to monitor and report substandard service, including dirty interiors, broken seats, defective lighting or excessively loud sound systems.

LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II described the initiative as a result of discussions from the agency’s recent regional conference, noting that the traditional “business as usual” approach is no longer acceptable.

"We have to do something different to improve the commuting experience of passengers," he said.