LTFRB eyes P1-M fine for ‘colorum’ buses

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will soon have heavier sanctions for bus operators plying “colorum” vehicles, which are either unregistered or driven outside their registered route.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said they will impose a P1-million fine for those committing the offense for the first time. This is a substantial increase from the current P6,000 fine.

Ginez said this would be accompanied by the cancellation of the franchise covering the concerned colorum vehicle. A bus company usually has a number of franchises covering their vehicles.

For the second offense, the franchises of the entire fleet would be cancelled. This will be accompanied by a fine of P1 million, he said.

According to Ginez, the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office will soon issue a joint administrative order to be approved by Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

He said they will implement this within the year.