Drivers undergo training; passengers get free rides

CEBU, Philippines — Around 3,000 drivers of public utility vehicles attended the Drivers' Academy training initiated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 in cooperation with the Lapu-Lapu City government.

LTFRB-7 regional director Eduardo Montealto said that Drivers' Academy Training is one of the projects of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through LTFRB to educate the drivers on traffic rules, terms and conditions on LTFRB policies and road discipline.

All drivers nationwide could no longer drive public utility vehicles without undergoing the said training.

This program was officially launched middle of last year.

Those PUV drivers who will not undergo the training will have to pay a fine of P5,0000, Montealto said.

Meanwhile, as drivers undergo the training, hundreds of passengers availed of the free rides initiated by the Lapu-Lapu City government.

It was available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mayor Paz Radaza said they just rented private vehicles to ferry passengers for free and ensure no one will be stranded during the driver's training. (FREEMAN)