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[av_heading heading=’LTFRB insists: PUBs over 15 years must be phased out ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY MAE SINGUAY
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BACOLOD City – An order to phase out public utility buses (PUBs) and minibuses is being strictly carried out across the Philippines.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is not putting the passengers’ safety and convenience at risk, according to Atty. Jose Lamparero, counsel for Region 6.
Yesterday the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center held a rally to protest LTFRB Resolution No. 2013-01.
Under the resolution, the 15-year age limit for PUBs and minibuses, even those with roadworthiness and Motor Vehicle Inspection System certificates, must be strictly observed.
The phaseout is also part of the transportation agency’s modernization program, said Lamparero.
“The LTFRB has been implementing the order since three years ago,” he said. “There is in fact a wide acceptance of this order among operators.”
Lamparero said the LTFRB no longer “confirms” franchises of PUBs older than 15 years old unless they are replaced by newer ones.
Anyone opposed to the order may file a petition, and the LTFRB Region 6 will forward it to the central office, he said.
The central office may appreciate the “justifying circumstance” they could cite, and this could lead to amendments, said the lawyer.
But an order on the phaseout of old public utility jeepneys (PUJs) is still in the pipeline, Lamparero said.
Some PUJ operators asked the government to provide an alternative solution, citing their lack of financial capacity to buy brand-new units, he said./PN
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