City to ink pact with LTFRB-10, transport groups for PUVSC program

City Mayor Rolando A. Uy has been given the authority by the City Council to sign the Service Contract Agreement with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board - X (LTFRB), and 32 Transport Service Entities (TSE) in Region X, for the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Service Contracting (PUVSC) Program Phase 5.

The PUVSC program aims to incentivize PUV operators through performance-based payout to enhance commuting experience of passengers, promote use of public transit, and contribute to the development of a more efficient and reliable transport system.

It also aims to address the challenges in the public transportation sector, such as, but not limited to, low or insufficient revenue for operators, low ridership, inadequate maintenance of vehicles, and irregular service frequencies.

Under the said agreement, LTFRB shall coordinate with the LGU for the proper implementation of the program, ensure payment to the PUV operators based on the payment scheme and compliance with labor and other prevailing laws.

For its part, the LGU shall work with LTFRB in strictly monitoring the deployment of the PUV operator during the implementation of the program, assist in the resolution of issues and challenges in connection with the implementation of the program.

It shall also participate in stakeholders’ consultations to determine the needs and requirements of the contracted PUV operator and coordinate with the relevant government agencies that can provide the needed assistance in order to ensure the seamless implementation of the program.

Meanwhile, the operators are tasked to communicate the details of the service plan or authorized route to its drivers, ensure payment of salaries and wages to respective drives and personnel, execute and submit to the LTFRB an affidavit of undertaking to comply with the conditions of the program.

They must also comply existing and subsequent issuances and policies of the LTFRB in the operation of public transportation.

During the regular session of the 20th City Council presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, all city council members unanimously approved of the separate ordinances sponsored by the public utilities committee of Councilor Romeo Calizo and laws and rules committee of Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas.  (FDCalotes/SP)