LTFRB: Unconsolidated PUVs apprehended starting today

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will start apprehending today jeepneys that failed to meet the consolidation requirement.

- ROMINA CABRERA

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said that the 15-day grace period since the April 30 deadline is over, effectively making over 10,000 jeepney units nationwide colorum vehicles.

The figure includes 1,900 unconsolidated units in Metro Manila alone, which will be considered as illegally operating as their franchises have lapsed.

"We can now flag down and we can apprehend drivers or vehicles because the grace period we had given them had already lapsed, so that those that were unconsolidated can no longer travel," Guadiz said.

He added that the LTFRB had already issued show cause orders for the unconsolidated operators and drivers, and that the agency could begin apprehensions.

Drivers could face a one-year suspension of their license, as well as a hefty fine of P50,000 in penalties and 30-day impounding of their vehicles if caught in colorum operations.

The LTFRB said that it would require consolidated units to have their documents posted on their windshields for proper identification of vehicles.

Three to four critical areas in Metro Manila do not have consolidated units on their routes, according to Guadiz. This will be addressed by getting units from other routes to serve the affected areas.