LTFRB to discuss phase out plan for school services

MANILA, Philippines - As part of the government’s program to modernize public utility vehicles, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will also discuss among stakeholders to come up with a mandatory lifespan for all school buses in the country.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said the topic will be discussed during the second consultative meeting with school service providers.

"The Board is now carefully reviewing the possible lifespan that can be imposed on school buses. Compared with taxis, buses and jeeps, they’re less prone to ‘wear-and-tear’ condition so we are considering that issue in coming up with the guidelines on this," Ginez said.

At present, public utility buses have a life span of 15 years, taxis are 13 years with an option for additional two more years if they convert to liquified petroleum gas.

The Department of Transportation and Communications has instructed the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office to implement policies that will require all PUBs/PUVs as well as garage-to-terminal express vehicle operators to maintain their fleet in good working condition to ensure the safety and convenience of the riding public.

"The phase out age of PUVs is a policy to protect passengers and keep a healthy environment," DOTC secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya said.

"We have to implement our laws and rules because the rule of law is essential in a functioning society. In fact, other countries in the Asian region imposed shorter lifespan for public utility vehicles compared with our phase out age," Abaya added.

As part of its regulatory powers, LTFRB requires all school bus operators, whether they are bus/mini bus, van, and jeepney, to comply with the required specifications and safety standards as prescribed by the Board before they are given permit to operate.