The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has raised concerns over the number of public utility vehicles (PUVs) reportedly in operation, saying it does not match observed realities on the ground, resulting in longer passenger waiting times.
During a recent interview on Dos Por Dos, LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said the agency has noticed discrepancies between the number of PUVs reported by transport companies and the actual units serving routes, particularly along Commonwealth and other major highways.
“Simula this week, nagbibilang kami ng sasakyan ulit para malaman namin saan ang kulang at anong klaseng mode of service ang kulang. Kasi napansin nga namin yan, parang humahaba ang waiting time.”
The LTFRB has begun recounting vehicles this week to identify gaps in service and determine which types of PUVs are lacking. Mendoza emphasized that any additional deployment will be data-driven to avoid oversupply, which could lead to unnecessary competition among drivers.
Chairman Mendoza also pointed out that some transport groups have failed to respond to repeated reminders to deploy their full fleet.
“Ever since na tsinecheck ni Secretary Banoy at umakyat na yung number of units na dine-deploy namin, wala namang pagbabago doon. Pero nakita namin last week, kung walang pagbabago, bakit para ang waiting time naman humahaba?” Mendoza said.
“So either of two things, either kulang pa, dumami ang pasahero, kaya kulang pa yung sasakyan, hindi na tama yung datos dati or mali yung datos na binibigay sa amin. Kung sinasabing isang daan bus ang tumatakbo dyan, in truth hindi isang daan bus,” he added.
Mendoza cited two main reasons why PUVs may not be deployed: drivers being absent or vehicles being under repair. As an interim solution, additional units may be introduced until all vehicles are operational.
He also warned transport companies that failure to comply with deployment requirements could result in the cancellation of their franchise.
“Kung makita natin na hindi sila nade-deploy ng tamang number of units, ganyan lang nga gagawin natin, puputulin natin yung prangkisa,” Mendoza said.
The LTFRB has vowed to continue monitoring operations and make necessary adjustments to ensure that passenger demand is met efficiently and safely.
