LTFRB suspends P2P scheme for UV Express for two weeks
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Sat, 01 Jun 2019 09:20:47 +0000
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has suspended the implementation of a memorandum circular that limits UV Express service to point-to-point operations for two weeks.
Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Communication Goddes Hope Libiran said LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2019-025, which abolishes the two-kilometer radius from the endpoints of UV Express units where they are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers, will take effect by middle of June.
“It will be suspended for two weeks to give way to stakeholder consultations. A formal advisory shall be issued by the LTFRB on this matter as soon as possible,” Libiran said.
The suspension was issued after various transport groups claimed that the LTFRB crafted the memorandum circular without consulting them during a hearing conducted by the House of Representatives Committee on Metro Manila Development Thursday.
These groups urged the LTFRB to designate pickup and drop-off points between the origin and destination of UV Express units to spare commuters from extra trips and additional fares.
LTFRB Board Member Ronaldo Corpus reiterated during the hearing that the policy is not new as UV Express services originally operated on a point-to-point basis.
The LTFRB decided to remove the two-kilometer radius because UV Express units are not using their designated terminals and are loading and unloading passengers between their endpoints.
The memorandum circular, issued last May 15, was signed by LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, Corpus, and Board Member Antonio Gardiola Jr.
According to the memorandum circular, UV Express units violating the policy will be fined P5,000 for the first offense and P10,000 for the second offense.
Suspension or cancellation of the franchise will be imposed for the third offense and the driver’s license may be suspended or revoked. (PNA)