LTFRB-7 Director Ahmed Cuizon (right) talks with Atty. Winston Ginez, the LTFRB Chairman, as they listen to the complains of the public transport group operators during the Transport Summit. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
BEGINNING January 2015, old model school buses or service vehicles will no longer allowed to ferry students to and from schools.
Land Transporation Franchising Regulatory Board Chairman Winston Ginez made this announcement yesterday.
He said school bus operators have been given enough time to replace their existing fleet with brand new vehicles.
“The implementation will start by January 2015 so that they will have enough time to replace brand new vehicles,” he said.
Sabino Go III, president of Cebu Carpools Operators Association (CCOA) admitted that they are shocked by the LTFRB’s announcement but are left without a choice but to comply.
“We would really like to ask for an extension from the chairman but since it was already decided then we don’t have the choice but to support it,” Go said.
Go operates 19 school service vehicles catering to students of the University of San Carlos. Of the 19 units, 16 are more than 15-year-old models.
Replacing these vehicles will be very costly said Go. A service vehicle will cost at least P700,000.
“We also have costly maintenance of the vehicles, fuel, payment of the driver and one assistant who guides the children as they disembark and bring their bags to school,” he added.
“I really don’t know what to do with these 16 ‘carpools’ that will be phased out,” Go said.
Ahmed Cuizon, LTFRB-7 regional director said that those school services that will be phased out can still be used but for private purposes only.
Ginez also announced yesterday that they will continuously implement their program which is “Safer Journey On the Roads” which comprise safe and adequate public vehicle, anti-colorum, and improvement of LTRB-7 processes.
LTFRB Executive Director Roberto Cabrera III meanwhile said that they will be intensifying inspection of public utility vehicles (PUV).
Ensuring that violators are caught is also a precaution against accidents. LTFRB inspectors will also test the road worthiness of PUVs. /With a report by Xavier University Intern Irish Maika R. Lam