The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB 11) is continuing its strict enforcement of vehicle age limits and safety compliance requirements to ensure that only roadworthy and properly maintained public utility vehicles (PUVs) remain in operation.
Engr. Ronnel Victor Panigon, Transportation Development Officer II of LTFRB 11, said buses and taxis that have exceeded the maximum allowable age are no longer eligible for franchise renewal.
“Ang isa ka bus is dapat 20 years lang siya allowed to use. So, ’pag 2006 below ang year model, it should not be renewed na. For taxi naman, 13 years old lang pwede ang taxi. So, ’pag ma-lapse na na siya nga year model, so wala na namo siya gina-renew,” he explained.
Panigon said operators are required to replace overaged vehicles with newer units that comply with government standards instead of extending the use of outdated units.
“So, they have to substitute na a new one, no, nga current or one year preceding year model ang dapat ang ilang ipuli,” he said.
He also clarified that replacing worn-out parts is not enough to meet the board’s requirements, stressing that operators must replace the entire vehicle with a brand-new unit.
“Brand new na po ang ang ’pag ang ang i-replace nila for dropping and substitution,” he said.
Aside from enforcing age limits, LTFRB 11 also conducts regular inspections in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO 11) to verify that public utility vehicles meet roadworthiness and passenger safety standards before they are allowed to operate.
Panigon said inspections cover the vehicle’s mechanical condition, safety equipment, and overall passenger comfort.
“Gina-check na tanan, engine, lights, brakes. So, dapat working na siya. Sa LTFRB naman, dapat naay dash camera, naay mga glass breakers, fire extinguishers, dapat humot ang sakyanan, dili baho. Ang aircon is dapat, well working. So, we have to comply all of that before sila mobiyahe. That’s why naga-random inspect mi sa garage, no, together with the LTO to check all these units kung compliant ba jud sila o dili,” he said.
Among the required safety features are functioning brakes and lights, dashboard cameras, emergency glass breakers, fire extinguishers, and properly working air-conditioning systems. Vehicles must also be clean and well-maintained before they are permitted to transport passengers.
LTFRB 11 said the continued enforcement of these standards forms part of its commitment to enhancing passenger safety, improving the quality of public transportation services, and ensuring that all public utility vehicles operating in the region comply with national regulations.
