MMDA targets 1,657 erring PUBs

A total of 1,657 public utility buses (PUBs) operating in Metro Manila may end up being impounded and their drivers may find themselves losing their ’s licenses because of their failure to settle fines and penalties for various traffic violations.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority-Traffic Ticket Management Division (MMDA-TTMD) records showed that since August 2004, there have been 20,123 Traffic Violation Receipts (TVRs) that remained unsettled by apprehended drivers.

"Their TVRs have remained unpaid and unsettled to this day," said MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, who issued a stern warning against those who continue to believe that they can escape punishment.

Fernando said notices have been sent to bus operators, notifying drivers about settling their obligations with the MMDA.

The MMDA chief said roving teams of traffic enforcers will soon man checkpoints in strategic places in Metro Manila, where drivers with unsettled TVRs will be apprehended. Their licenses will be confiscated and their vehicles impounded.

He said violations range from obstruction and loading and unloading on prohibited zones to failure to surrender their cue cards for the organized bus route system.

Some, Fernando noted, were also cited for trip-cutting, arrogance and violation of the closed-door bus policy along major thoroughfares, especially along EDSA.

He added that the MMDA is firming up its interconnectivity project with the Land Transportation Office, involving an electronic link-up whereby the MMDA can furnish a list of errant drivers and bus companies for revocation of their licenses and franchises.

Fernando said the MMDA has been trying hard to solve Metro Manila’s traffic problems through innovative programs and projects, thus giving birth to new U-Turn slots, traffic re-routing schemes, program against jaywalkers, yellow lanes, pink traffic signs and pink fences.