The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB 11) continues to strictly implement vehicle age limits and safety compliance requirements to ensure that only roadworthy and well-maintained public utility vehicles remain in service.
According to Engr. Ronnel Victor Panigon, Transportation Development Officer II of LTFRB 11, buses and taxis that exceed the prescribed maximum age are no longer allowed to renew their franchises.
“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 emphasized that operators are required to replace overaged vehicles with newer units that meet government standards.
“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.
When asked whether replacing individual parts is sufficient, Panigon clarified 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.
Beyond vehicle age requirements, LTFRB 11 also conducts regular inspections in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO 11) to ensure that public utility vehicles comply with roadworthiness and passenger safety standards before they are allowed to operate.
“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.
LTFRB 11 said these measures are part of its continuing efforts to improve passenger safety, promote quality public transportation services, and ensure that all public utility vehicles operating in the region comply with national regulations.
