THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended, on Tuesday, March 11, the implementation of the mandatory Comprehensive Road Safety Training program for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors, in response to transport group clamor for more consultations.
The LTFRB said the agency heard the transport sector’s appeal loud and clear, and will conduct another round of consultations with transport groups and industry experts to refine the framework of the training program.
This came after the LTFRB already conducted eight consultations to date.
Recently, the transport sector sought further consultations on the drivers’ academy.
LTFRB chairpersonTeofilo Guadiz III acknowledged in a statement on March 11, the importance of engaging transport groups, drivers, operators, and other concerned sectors before enforcing new regulations.
“We recognize the need for road safety measures, but we also acknowledge the concerns of our stakeholders. The LTFRB will revise the policy to make it more inclusive, effective, and practical for those who will be directly affected,” he explained.
The agency aims to balance the need for enhanced road safety with the realities faced by PUV operators and drivers.
Guadiz assured the public that while the implementation is on hold, the LTFRB remains committed to improving road safety standards and ensuring responsible public services for commuters.
On March 6, the LTFRB announced the implementation of mandatory road safety training as a prerequisite for the franchise renewal of PUVs.
Based on Memorandum Circular No. 2024-040, the LTFRB shall develop and institutionalize the Driver’s and Conductor’s Academy Program (DCAP), which includes the accreditation of driving schools that will “educate” and train PUV drivers and conductors on road safety.
All PUV drivers and conductors of existing franchise holders, with valid and existing certificates of public convenience (CPC) and/or provisional authority (PA) and special permits (SP), are required to complete the course designed by the LTFRB.
The enrollment fee for participants in the program is pegged at P2,000 per trainee, and the training must be completed within two to eight days from the start date set by the LTFRB.
In 2022, the MMDA reported at least 58,000 road crashes or an average of 157 accidents daily.
The MMDA also recorded 44,493 road crashes from January to July 2023.
Out of the 44,493 reported road accidents, 32,800 resulted in damage to property, 168 were fatal, and 11,525 incidents were non-fatal but led to physical injuries and financial losses.
