LTO cracks down on colorum riders

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is ramping up its crackdown on unregistered motorcycle taxis—commonly referred to as “colorum” riders—amid rising concerns over safety, regulatory compliance, and commuter protection.

LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza emphasized that unauthorized operators pose serious safety risks as they circumvent mandatory safety protocols and undermine the credibility of the motorcycle taxi industry.

“We cannot allow the safety of the commuting public to be compromised by riders who operate without training, accountability, or proper vetting. The LTO will strengthen enforcement against colorum motorcycle taxis while ensuring legal operators adhere to high safety standards,” Mendoza said.

In a bid to institutionalize regulations and improve monitoring, Mendoza recently met with officials from key industry players—Angkas, Joyride, and Move It. Discussions focused on onboarding procedures and training protocols to ensure all riders are qualified and compliant before taking to the roads.

This initiative underscores a renewed partnership between regulators and accredited operators to foster a safe, legal, and inclusive motorcycle taxi sector rooted in accountability and stringent safety measures.

In a separate move, the LTO revoked the licenses of at least 10 bus drivers and eight conductors from two major bus firms after they tested positive for illegal drug use.

Mendoza said the enforcement action is grounded in Republic Act 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013) and Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), both of which prohibit driving under the influence of illegal substances.

“Jurisprudence is clear that a driver’s license is not a right but a privilege granted by the State, which may be suspended or revoked to uphold public safety and welfare,” he noted.

He added that public transport drivers carry an even greater burden of responsibility as they serve the commuting public and must demonstrate high standards of discipline and accountability.

Under the directive of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, the LTO has intensified efforts to weed out erring motorists, following a spate of fatal road accidents.

During the Holy Week alone, the agency revoked the licenses of 98 bus drivers for various violations, while more than 1,100 others were issued show cause orders (SCOs).

Secretary Dizon also issued a stern warning to bus companies, stating that franchises may be revoked if they continue to employ non-compliant drivers.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reminded passengers to always request official receipts when using public transportation.

These receipts serve as proof that fare collection devices—such as taxi meters and point-of-sale (POS) systems on modern jeepneys and buses—are functioning properly and have not been tampered with.

The LTFRB stressed that issuing official receipts is mandatory under Memorandum Circulars 2011-004 and 2009-003. It also denounced the illegal practice of “contracting,” where fares are negotiated outside the legally mandated rates—strictly prohibited under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.

In line with Memorandum Circular No. 2008-031, the agency further directed all operators to visibly display updated fare matrices inside their vehicles. (CEBU NEWS)