EDITORIAL - Road discipline

With transport operators up in arms, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board or LTFRB has decided to defer for two weeks the implementation of the purely point-to-point operation of UV Express Service.

The UV Express, described as premium mass transport – or midway between the jeepney and a regular taxi in terms of service and fares – currently has assigned destinations, along which it can pick up and unload passengers within a two-kilometer radius of the two points.

But the LTFRB and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority have cited complaints that UV Express drivers are abusing the two-kilometer allowance and are stopping anywhere they please, aggravating traffic. The MMDA has stressed that the franchise of the UV Express in fact limits it to point-to-point operations, and there have been numerous apprehensions of “colorum” UV units or those operating out of line.

In making a final decision on the controversy, the principal consideration should be the welfare of the riding public. The UV Express is popular, filling the need for a ride that is more comfortable than the jeepney but more affordable than regular taxi services.

UV Express operators argue that while there are truly colorum services, a number of those caught for being out of line were in fact simply taking streets with the least traffic on their way to their designated destinations.

The UV operators are suggesting that instead of enforcing the point-to-point requirement, which makes it an “express” service, the government can designate stops along specific routes. They argue that not all regular UV Express commuters get off at the assigned end point, and may have to take another ride if the point-to-point rule is enforced. Commuters can be given a choice, with some units providing purely point-to-point express service, and others allotted designated stops.

If this suggestion is approved, UV Express operators and drivers must ensure that they comply fully with the designated stops. Every measure is being considered to ease the chaotic traffic in Metro Manila and other urban centers. UV Express operators must do their part and observe road discipline.