Smoke-testing fees reduced

Operators of private emission testing centers (PETCs) have agreed to reduce their fees, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) said yesterday.

Arnel Manresa, head of DOTC’s road transport planning division, said the PETC Operators Association had committed to cut their fees by P50 during a public hearing in Lipa City, Batangas.

"The DOTC was able to convince them to reduce their fees for the benefit of the motorists. This will be implemented soon," Manresa said.

Last Jan. 6, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) required vehicles to undergo and pass smoke emission tests before their registration can be processed.

Under the present set-up, public utility vehicles (PUVs) are tested by the LTO while private vehicles are checked by the PETCs. The LTO, however, charges only P90 while the PETCs charge P300.

Initially, PUVs could also be tested by the PETCs but the transport groups complained about the P300 fee. This prompted the LTO to assume the testing process for PUVs.

Manresa said PETC operators have agreed to charge only P150 for motorcycles and tricycles and P250 for cars, buses and jeeps. – Shiela Crisostomo