The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Friday made official its requirement to have public utility vehicles bear the Board’s hotline, 1342, on units’ bodies to minimize abuses of drivers.
In a memorandum circular, the Board noted that all operators whose units are authorized by the LTFRB Central Office and the National Capital Region Office are directed to comply with the new required markings within 60 days.
On the other hand, operators whose units are authorized by LTFRB Regional Offices should comply with the new required markings within 90 days.
LTFRB said that all PUV units will be required to bear the exact markings: “LTFRB 24/& Hotline: 1342 and Text/Viber Hotlines: 0917-550-1342, 0998-550-1342”.
Markings of buses, trucks, and similar units should be three inches in height, one inch in width, 1/2 inch in thickness, colored red, white, or black, and located at the lower right side at the back and at both sides of the unit.
On the other hand, markings of sedan vehicles, vans, and similar units should be three inches in height, one inch in width, 1/2 inch in thickness, colored green, and located at the rear windshield (upper portion) and at both sides of the unit.
As for jeepneys and similar units, markings should be three inches in height, one inch in width, 1/2 inch in thickness, colored black, and located at the rear end of both sides of the unit.
Transportation Network Vehicle Service should have the marking displayed during a pre-arranged ride as prescribed with the requirements for sedans.
All PUVs except TNVS (during a pre-arranged ride) is also required to indicate the maximum passenger capacity, which will be placed below the “LTFRB 24/7 Hotline: 1342” marking.
LTFRB said that all outside markings must be clearly readable at a distance of at least five meters.
All PUVs including TNVS (during a pre-arranged ride) will be required to paint or display the vehicle plate number, the LTFRB 24/7 hotline number, the operator’s number, and the notice on the grant of 20 percent fare discount to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students inside the vehicle where passengers can easily see them.
The Board said that the Circular will take effect immediately following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Violators will be fined a penalty in the amount of PhP1,000 per single offense for non-compliance, the Board added.