It looks like our traffic and transportation agencies have a new target: UV Express units loading and unloading passengers wherever they please.
Earlier today, the Philippine Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) made Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2019-025, which has supposedly be in effect since May 16, Facebook-official. Look:
Essentially, MC No. 2019-025 orders all UV Express vehicles to operate on a terminal-to-terminal basis. This means they cannot drop off or pick up passengers outside or anywhere in between of their designated terminals—a regulation the LTFRB says is in line with the original policy regarding these vehicles.
“The LTFRB has observed that numerous UV Express Services are in breach of the terms and conditions of their franchise, leading to the rampant practice of loading and unloading of passengers in between their origin and destination, prolonging the turnaround travel time between destinations and making it very difficult on the part of the enforcers to implement the service,” the agency said in its statement.
Naturally, not everyone is happy with the LTFRB’s move. Both passengers and UV Express franchises are reportedly up in arms over the decision, saying that the setup is extremely inconvenient and that it won’t actually help improve the traffic situation. What’s more, UV Express drivers and operators are complaining that the government did not hold any public consultations prior to issuing the MC.
It’s still yet to be seen if MC No. 2019-025 will be for the better or worse of Metro Manila commuting. What do you think? Let us know via the poll below whether or not you’re in favor of the new measure.
