THREE vans-for-hire were apprehended in the last week of June for operating out-of-line.
Director Ahmed Cuizon of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) said that these “colorum” vans were apprehended near SM City Cebu as they were transporting passengers to the City of Naga.
“This is in coordination with the Mabolo Police Station in a special enforcement operation,” Cuizon told reporters during 888 News Forum in Cebu City last week.
The apprehended vans were a Toyota Commuter with plate number AEB-472, a Nissan Van with plate number OV 5996 and another Toyota Commuter with plate number GXK-517.
Cuizon said that the first Toyota Commuter and the Nissan Van were caught operating with no franchises while the second Toyota Commuter had only a tourist van franchise which prevents it from operating like a garage-to-terminal van or for GT Express operations.
The first Toyota Commuter was driven by Barbon Isagani with Lucia Arcenal as the van owner. The Nissan van was driven by Joel Impuerto.
“We encourage the public to inform us (of colorum vehicles) through our hotlines and stand with your complaints. This is also to discipline drivers and operators,” Cuizon said.
“If an accident happens, the passengers won’t be able to claim insurance which is a basic requirement for getting a franchise. These vehicles also do not conform to safety standards imposed by government,” he added.
The vans were impounded at the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas compound at Natalio Bacalso Ave., Cebu City.
The impounded vans would only be released after the operators pay the P200,000 fine for operating colorum vans as stated under Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01.