THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ramped up its enforcement efforts across Metro Manila, issuing 21 Show Cause Orders (SCOs) to passenger bus and UV Express operators following a series of targeted law enforcement operations.
Under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez, the regulator initiated the crackdown to address persistent safety, service, and vehicle maintenance violations.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr. emphasized that public utility vehicle (PUV) operators must adhere strictly to established franchise conditions to ensure commuter safety and uphold professionalism in public transit.
“There are conditions set that PUV operators are mandated to comply with—all of them are anchored on road safety and professionalism of the country’s public land transportation system,” Pua stated. He added that accountability remains paramount for operators who choose to defy these standards.
Along the EDSA Busway Carousel, enforcement officers under Atty. Sherwin Visconde deployed covert “Mystery Riders” to track drivers intentionally slowing down vehicles.
Operations targeted driver tactics such as “push and pull” schemes designed to delay trips and cause bus bunching at stations. Enforcers strictly implemented the 30-second dwell time limit per station.
Furthermore, several SCOs stemmed from direct violations aboard EDSA buses, including the apprehension of two drivers and a conductor caught smoking inside their vehicles.
In tandem with the EDSA operations, the agency targeted poorly maintained UV Express units, particularly those servicing routes between Bulacan and Metro Manila.
Action was taken after passenger complaints detailed severe sub-standard conditions, including broken air-conditioning units, faded exterior paint, damaged seating, and foul interior odors.
All 21 summoned operators must formally explain to the board why their certificates of public convenience (CPC) or franchises should not be suspended or revoked due to these infractions.
Pua urged all PUV operators to maintain their vehicles and monitor staff behavior, reaffirming the agency’s goal to modernize and professionalize public land transport for Filipino commuters.
