FX operators, drivers picket LTFRB office

A small group of drivers and operators of FX taxis staged a rally in front of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office in Quezon City yesterday, calling for the suspension of a new program that seeks to legitimize the operations of commercial Asian utility vehicles (AUVs).

However, the LTFRB ruled out a possible dialogue with the group, which it described as operators of "colorum" vehicles.

"We will not dialogue with them. They are not operators, but law breakers," LTFRB chief Maria Elena Bautista said.

Bautista said those who picketed the LTFRB main office on East Avenue yesterday morning were not legitimate operators and as such not covered by the AUV Express program.

She said traffic enforcers have listed the plate numbers of the vehicles that joined the mass action so proper administrative action can be initiated against their owners. The strikers will also be blacklisted by the agency.

Some 50 vehicles were parked near the LTFRB office on the northbound portion of East Avenue.

The AUV express program aims to regulate the operation of commercial AUVs by setting their routes and laying down guidelines. Only FX models from 1998 up will be accepted in the new program, while older models that have secured franchises will only be allowed to operate in certain routes, particularly the North Harbor in Manila.

Bautista explained that a limit was set because a franchise will be good for 30 years and the average life span of a utility vehicle is only 13 years.

The FX, which has become popular mode of transport in Metro Manila, was not really designed for mass transport. The government must implement programs that will ensure the safety of the riding public, she said.

Bautista said the first phase of the Express program, which took effect yesterday, will cover school and shuttle buses, airport taxis and vehicles for hire. The next phase will cover the FX Mega taxi.

She said the program would set a 6,300-unit limit for vehicles plying various Metro Manila routes.

The government would charge a P30,000 conversion fee to those qualified for the new program.

Jun Magno, president of the Confederation of FX/Highlander/AUV Operators Driver Association, claimed the AUV Express poses many problems for FX operators since it prohibits the conversion of older models into Express units.

He said this would effectively phase out 7,000 units. The group is also opposed to a provision requiring AUV Express units not to pick up and drop passengers between terminals.