Binay to meet with LTFRB on no loading, unloading policy

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati government is set to decide whether to continue implementing or suspend the “no loading, unloading” policy for UV Express vehicles following apprehension from workers commuting to and from the city.

In a statement over the weekend, Mayor Abby Binay said she has scheduled a meeting with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as well as the city’s parking authority and central estate association to discuss the matter.

“The suspension of the implementation of LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2019-025 will be discussed during the meeting. We will temporarily allow commuters to be dropped off and picked up at the designated loading and unloading areas in the Makati Central Business District,” Binay said.

Under the LTFRB memorandum, UV Express vehicles can only operate on a point-to-point basis and are not allowed to drop off or pick up passengers along the way.

The Makati government clarified that the directive was not issued by the city hall after passengers complained about the difficulties commuting with the policy in effect.

“Such policy did not emanate from the local government or the Makati Central Estate Association, but from the LTFRB, which is an office under the Department of Transportation that controls the operation of public utility vehicles,” acting city public safety chief Michael Camiña said, adding that the policy has been in effect since May 2019.

“Despite being aware of the policy, drivers and operators of UV Express vans have failed to inform their passengers that they can only stop at the endpoint and nowhere else. The confusion and inconvenience could have been avoided,” he said.