LTFRB to enforce comprehensive education for PUV drivers

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will implement a comprehensive education course for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, making it a requirement for franchise renewal.

According to CJ Torida's Tuesday's Unang Balita report, drivers of buses, trucks, jeepneys, and UV Express vehicles will be required to undergo the training.

“Ang hangad ng LTFRB is mabigyan po sila ng number one, Educational Road Safety. Phase 2 would be determination po ng kanilang cognitive ability,” explained LTFRB Chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III.

(The LTFRB’s goal is to provide, first and foremost, educational road safety. Phase 2 will focus on evaluating their cognitive abilities.)

Participants will undergo computer-generated assessments to evaluate their mental state while driving. The training will also include anger management strategies to promote safer road behavior.

Additionally, conductors will receive first-aid training.

The training will be mandatory for bus companies seeking franchise renewal, with implementation starting in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, the LTFRB’s Ilocos Region office stated that they had already been conducting a similar program, separate from the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) initiative.

“’Yung LTO, ang pangunahin nilang objective is [to test] ‘yung skills of driving. Ngayon for LTFRB, ang pinagkaiba naman natin is [tinitignan natin] ‘yung behavior and attitude,” said LTFRB-1 Director Cristal Sibayan.

(LTO’s primary objective is to test driving skills, while LTFRB focuses on behavior and attitude.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News