LTFRB suspends steeper fines for colorum vehicles

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued an order suspending for 120 days the imposition of fines for colorum or out-of-line vehicles.

The LTFRB’s memorandum circular was to clarify the implementation of the joint administrative order it earlier issued with the Land Transportation Office on out-of-line violations and trucks for hire.

Under the memorandum circular, the board will first conduct a study on the authorized route descriptions and number of authorized units on a particular route.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya has ordered the re-evaluation of the current bus routes to help bus operators make the best business decision.

The memorandum circular also states that colorum trucks-for-hire, particularly those with white plates, upon submission of franchise application, will be automatically afforded provisional authority that is valid for 120 days.

Ginez also allayed fears among bus operators with pending application with the board that they will not be apprehended and penalized if they can show proof of inspection validity.