LTFRB eyes academy for PUV drivers

The government hopes to rid the country of arrogant and discourteous drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) when it opens a "driver’s academy" to be established in all regional offices of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

"We came up with the idea of establishing, through the insurance consortia, a driver’s academy. Even if the professional driver has a license, we will ask him to undergo training," LTFRB chief Elena Bautista said during the Fernandina Media Forum held at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.

She said operators have agreed to the plan.

"We are still trying to determine how long the training should be because a driver still has to work and earn a living. These have to be looked into," Bautista said.

The LTFRB chief said they plan to start with PUV drivers, whom she said are the subject of most complaints.

One of the major courses to be taken up would be road courtesy and etiquette.

"We want to bring back the dignity to drivers. Etiquette and driver’s courtesy will be taught," Bautista said.

She said most drivers these days are seen as arrogant, especially taxi drivers.

"All public utility drivers driving buses, jeepneys and taxis, they have to pass through this, " she said. "They will also have to take a practical exam. At the moment, we have at the LTO (Land Transportation Office) only cars. What if one is driving a truck?"

The plan was conceived in cooperation with PUV operators and companies that insure PUVs.

"The idea of a driving academy came about because of the frequent accidents that involve PUVs. Accidents are mainly caused by three things — design of the road, status of the vehicle and the ability of the driver," she said.

The LTFRB said the target opening date for the academy is January 2007.

"The syllabus is being formalized. Hopefully, the training would complement the functions of the LTO. Driver’s licenses are not our jurisdiction, but we hope to complement this with the program," Bautista said.

"All those involved in frequent accidents will be blacklisted. They will not be hired by the operators," she said.

Meanwhile, the LTFRB chief said they plan to reduce the number of jeepneys in Metro Manila.

"We only have about a little over a thousand routes for jeepneys, with about 40,000 units.  This will be the next to be cleaned up," Bautista said.

On the other hand, there are not enough taxis in Metro Manila, she pointed out.

To solve this, LTFRB plans to open up 2,000 franchises for taxis, but only for LPG-fed taxis.

Bautista said before, there are about 42,000 taxis in Metro Manila.