MANILA, Philippines – A transport group on Wednesday urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to designate loading and unloading zones for UV Express service units after its operation were limited to a point-to-point basis.
Earlier this month, the LTFRB released Memorandum Circular 2019-025 prohibiting UV Express service units from picking up and dropping off passengers outside terminals specified in their franchise.
Stop and Go Coalition president Jun Magno said they are planning to submit a position paper against the policy and seek a dialogue with the LTFRB.
Magno stressed the new rule will certainly affect the income of UV Express drivers aside from adding to the daily burden of commuters.
“Bigyan na lang nila ng selective loading and unloading, parang mag-designate sila ng area sa amin para sa loading and unloading para hindi rin maabuso yung policy nila,” he suggested.
The group, Lawyers for Commuters Protection, echoed Magno’s sentiments.
“’Yung mga galing ng SM Fairview, for instance, ang trabaho nila dito sa Quezon City hall pero wala namang prangkisa na SM Fairview to city hall so merong Cubao o Makati. So, ibig mong sabihin doon pa sila bababa saka babalik,” said Atty Ariel Inton, President of Lawyers for Commuters Protection.
He said they have already sent a letter asking the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to consider designating selected stops for UV Express service units.
But according to LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra UV operators have been made aware of the policy during previous consultations.
They were also told that the practice of loading and unloading of passengers anywhere between destinations are in violation of their franchise.
“Consultations with UV operators on the issue started last year. The last one was earlier this year at the central office kung saan ipinaliwanag ang madalas na practice ng pagbababa at pagsasakay ng mga pasahero anywhere between destinations, in violation of their franchise,” he said.
READ: LTFRB taps MMDA, IACT in enforcing UV Express pick-and-drop points
The LTFRB earlier vowed to enforce the pick-and-drop points for UV Express with the help of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic. (with details from Joan Nano)
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