LTFRB apprehends 226 untidy taxis, buses

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has apprehended 226 dilapidated taxis and passenger buses in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II has committed to sustain the operations against untidy public utility vehicles, saying commuters deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by PUV operators.

“There must be no excuses for dilapidated, untidy and stinking public transportation units. That is clear and simple, based on the rules that PUV operators are aware of when they sought the authority to operate,” Mendoza said.

“If these are violated, we have no choice but to strip them with the privilege to operate PUVs for disrespecting not only commuters, but the public transportation system that we seek to further improve,” he added.

Sherwin Vizconde, head of the LTFRB Law Enforcement Division, said 178 taxis were apprehended in Caloocan and Quezon City.

Vizconde said 48 buses were apprehended by LTFRB enforcers deployed along NIA Road, Monumento, Mindanao Avenue and Antipolo in Rizal.

The operators of the taxis and buses have been issued show-cause orders to explain why their franchise should not be canceled or revoked, the LTFRB said.