How’s my driving? LTFRB bares list of top violators

Buses and jeepneys charging higher fares despite the absence of a matrix, daredevil drivers and rude conductors.

These are the common complaints received by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) from commuters and motorists with bad experiences involving public utility vehicles (PUVs).

For public utility buses (PUBs), the companies that have been the subject of the most complaints are JMK Liner, Jayross LS Tours Co. Inc., Saint Rose Transit Inc., Philippine Corinthian Liner, AC Trans, and Santrans, all plying Metro Manila routes.

The LTFRB declined to give exact figures since it was still compiling data. The rankings are based on the number of cases that have been resolved: JMK Liner, 12 cases decided; Jayross, 8; Saint Rose, 8; Philippine Corinthian, 8; AC Trans, 5; and Santrans, 5.

For taxi operators, those that had the most complaints were Wallis Transport, 12 cases decided; MGE Transport, 12; EMP Transport, 9; EPE Transport, 7; R&E Transport, 6; and Munich Taxi, 6.

For jeepney operators, no company or owner was cited in the report since most of the public utility jeepneys (PUJs) have several owners with only a few units. The LTFRB only cites the license plate numbers of the jeepneys.

Most, however, are members of three associations plying specific routes.

These are Commonwealth TSCI (Transport Service Cooperative Inc.); Pasay TSCI; and Alabang TSCI.

Most of the said companies and operators have been suspended or have had their franchises cancelled, the LTFRB said.

Psychological effect

One of the strategies the agency came up with early this year was to "psychologically" warn drivers and operators not to commit abuses lest they face penalties and lose their franchises if found guilty.

All PUV operators are now required to paint the following markings: "HOW’S MY DRIVING? Call or text LTFRB Hotline (0921) 448-7777 or call telephone number 925-7191."

For buses, trucks, vans, and AUVs, the markings are painted on the rear side of vehicle in 3" x 1" letters.

For taxis, the markings are painted on the trunk rear in 2" x 1" letters or printed on stickers on the rear windshield in 3" x 1" letters.

For jeepneys, the markings are painted on the left and right sides of the units in 3" x 1" letters.

All operators are likewise required by the LTFRB to keep a daily record of their drivers and the vehicles they drive for easy identification of erring drivers.

Any operator found violating the circular shall be fined, according to the LTFRB.

LTFRB chief Elena Bautista said they have received tons of complaints since this was implemented.

"Most complaints, however, are dismissed since the complainants themselves do fail to show up at the hearings conducted by the LTFRB," Bautista lamented.

She said most of the complaints received by the agency involve jeepneys or buses charging higher fares even without the new fare matrix posted inside the vehicles.

Other complaints include arrogant and discourteous conductors and drivers; refusal to grant senior citizen and student discounts; and discrimination against passengers, mostly committed by taxi drivers.

Taxi drivers also often insist on contracted rates instead of using their meters, which is against the policies of the agency.

Strangely enough, Bautista said, they even receive complaints about their own customer service personnel at the LTFRB, some of whom allegedly do not know how to deal with complainants.

"We are now thinking of contracting this (customer service) out," Bautista said.

LTFRB board member Gerardo Pinili, who is also in charge of complaints being received by the agency said the "How’s My Driving" campaign has nevertheless succeeded in curbing abuses by drivers.

"It has psychological effects on them," Pinili said. "This is because they know that there are eyes watching them when they ply their routes."

He noted that before the campaign, commuters with gripes had to look up their number in the yellow pages or had to go through the DOTC Action Center Hotline.

With cell phones, commuters find it easier to file complaints.

Data provided by the LTFRB showed that last January alone, the LTFRB received 87 complaints, through walk-ins, by phones and text hotline. From these, four certificates of public convenience (CPCs) or franchises were cancelled. One operator was given a stern warning, while two taxi meters were ordered re-calibrated.

In October, 1,343 complaints were received with two CPCs cancelled.