LTFRB warns public utility drivers not to go out of line

CEBU, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has warned public utility drivers not to go out of line unless they have been granted special permit to travel outside of their authorized route.

LTFRB-7 director Benjamin Go said those who will be plying out of line are not only risking themselves of being apprehended by agents of the Land Transportation Office but the lives of their passengers as well.

Go explained that in cases of accidents, the insurance company will not pay the victims if the vehicle is out of line.

He said that it is the policy of insurance companies that they only cover accidents within the authorized route of a public utility vehicle. Go also asked the riding-public not to patronize public utility vehicles that are traveling out of line. Another advice for the public is to avoid riding overloaded vehicles.

Meanwhile, LTO-7 assistant director Edgar Catarungan instructed his organic enforcers and the members of the LTO-deputized Task Force Alpha to intensify the campaign against abusive drivers.

Catarungan ordered the LTO agents to strictly enforce the campaign against overloading, operating outside the authorized travel routes, colorum operation, refusal to convey passengers and overcharging of fares.

Bus drivers usually don't overload at the terminal but do it along the highway where there are no more enforcers.

The drivers who will be apprehended operating out of line will be fined P250 for the first offense, P500 and P750 and suspension of their licenses for the second and third offenses, respectively.

The operators of the subject vehicles will be sanctioned also with a fine of P1,000, P1,500 and P2,500 for the first, second and third offenses, respectively.

For colorum operation, operators will be fined P6,000 plus P1,500.00 per day starting the day of apprehension until the case will be settled and suspension of registration. (FREEMAN)