6 drivers apprehended in LTFRB-7’s Oplan Ligtas Biyahe-Undas 2016

CEBU, Philippines - At least six drivers have been apprehended by the operatives of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 in their Oplan Ligtas Biyahe-Undas 2016 for various violations ranging from colorum operation to non-wearing of uniform.

LTFRB-7 operatives apprehended one Uber driver, one Grab driver, one tourist van driver, one minibus driver, and two taxi drivers.

Ahmed Cuizon, LTFRB-7 director, said the drivers of Uber and Grab units as well as that of the tourist van were cited for colorum operations.

The minibus driver was apprehended for operating with an expired franchise while the two taxi drivers were not wearing their uniform.

Cuizon, however, said that they later found out that the minibus has an existing valid franchise.

"Since the franchise shown by the driver is an expired one instead of the existing valid one, then the penalty is only P2,000 because it is equivalent only to failure to carry franchise," Cuizon said.

The tourist van driver has also a valid franchise but was not allowed to operate as GT Express. The driver will be fined P6,000.

"What makes it illegal is that instead of operating as a tourist vehicle, it acted as a GT Express by picking up and charging passengers on a per head basis which is not within the terms and conditions of its tourist franchise," Cuizon explained.

Cuizon said the driver was not charged with penalties under the Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 because it was not a private vehicle operating without a valid franchise.

The two taxi drivers will be fined P2,000 each for not wearing uniform. The

The Uber and Grab units were impounded for lack of provisional authority to operate which carries a penalty of P250,000 each.

Meanwhile, LTFRB-7 has already issued 181 special permits for minibus and 136 for public utility jeepneys as of yesterday.

The special permit allows the holder to travel outside of their usual routes for three days. (FREEMAN)