THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Western Visayas has stepped up its operations against colorum vehicles in Negros Occidental.
Lawyer Jose Lamparero, hearing officer of LTFRB-Western Visayas, said Monday they have noted an increase in colorum operations in the province, including Bacolod City.
He said they have two approaches to address the problem, including enforcement and education of the commuting public.
Passengers riding or patronizing colorum vehicles are not protected in case of accident, he added.
Colorum covers an operation of a private motor vehicle operating as a public utility vehicle, without proper authority from the LTFRB. Colorum vehicles also operate outside of approved route or area without prior permit or outside the exceptions provided under existing memorandum circulars.
It can also be a public utility vehicle (PUV) operating differently from its authorized denomination and also a PUV with suspended or cancelled or expired certificate of public convenience.
Violators are fined the following: bus, P1 million, trucks, P200,000, jeepneys, P50,000, vans, P200,000, and sedan, P120,000.
Last month, LTFRB-Western Visayas Regional Director Romulo Bernardes himself led the operations in Bacolod that resulted to the apprehension of several colorum vans.
Lamparero said the order phasing out public utility buses and mini buses still stands and is strictly being implemented nationwide.
LTFRB Resolution No. 2013-01 mandates the strict observance of the 15-year age limit of buses and mini buses even on units with road worthiness and Motor Vehicle Inspection System certificates.
"This aims to further promote safety and convenience among commuters and the general public," he added. (MAP/With reports from PNA)