Drive against "colorum" vehicles intensified

CEBU, Philippines – The Land Transportation Office is strengthening its campaign against the so-called "colorum" vehicles.

Last week alone, the LTO has taken into custody 200 public utility vehicles, including nine buses owned by Vallacar Transit for various violations.

Vallacar Transit, the operator of Ceres bus lines, operates over a hundred bus units plying the northern and southern parts of Cebu.

The nine buses were seized for travelling out of line and for illegal transfer of plates, but were released eventually after the company paid a fine of at least P100,000.

LTO chief for operations Aden Belza urged operators of public utility vehicles to make sure that they secure a franchise with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

"They should apply for a franchise. LTO will flex its muscle, musipyat gani dakup gyud," Belza said.

Belza warned that LTO will not hesitate to seize the buses again should the violations continue.

LTO Regional Director Raul Aguilos said that last week, they were able to apprehend 200 public utility vehicles including the nine buses owned by Vallacar Transit for various violations.

"The more colorum vehicles we have, mas traffic. Unya ug simbako madisgrasya, ang pasahero walay apil sa insurance, ang sakyanan ra," Belza said. (FREEMAN)