THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) apprehended nine UV Express vehicles operating along Bulacan and Metro Manila routes following a targeted undercover operation aimed at clearing public roads of dilapidated and foul-smelling transit units.
The crackdown, executed on August 12 under the direction of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez, utilized “mystery riders” deployed by the LTFRB Law Enforcement Unit, led by Atty. Sherwin D. Vizconde.
The covert personnel verified passenger complaints regarding non-functioning air-conditioning units, faded exterior markings, and unpleasant interior odors.
Following the operation, the agency issued Show Cause Orders (SCOs) against the operators of the nine impounded UV Express units.
The operators must explain in writing why their Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC) should not be suspended or revoked due to their failure to maintain safe and comfortable public transport standards.
LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II warned that franchised transp ort providers must meet basic quality expectations or face permanent operational bans.
“Dilapidated, untidy, and stinky PUVs have no place in the country’s public transportation system,” Chairman Mendoza stated. “Either the operators shape up, or be shipped out.”
The mystery rider initiative was launched specifically to address mounting commuter complaints originating from Bulacan routes.
However, the agency confirmed that its inspection efforts extend beyond UV Express vans to include taxis, buses, traditional jeepneys, and ride-hailing services.
Mendoza has personally conducted spot inspections across Metro Manila, recently issuing SCOs to three non-compliant transport units in Intramuros.
The regulator emphasized that providing safe, clean, and functioning vehicles is a core legal condition of operating a public transport franchise.
Operators who fail to rectify sub-par vehicle conditions risk full revocation of their permits.
The LTFRB encourages commuters to report abusive drivers, broken facilities, or unsanitary vehicles directly to the agency by calling hotline 1342 or messaging its official social media channels.
