"Support builds for road policy targeting sardine lovers"
In a bid to improve safety and comfort for commuters, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 has implemented an "anti-sardinas" policy in Cebu City. This policy aims to prevent the overloading of public utility vehicles (PUVs), a practice that has been likened to packing people like canned sardines.
## Key Components of the Policy
The policy focuses on enforcing strict passenger limits. Modern public utility jeepneys (MPUJs) are now only allowed to have 10 standing passengers to prevent overloading. The LTFRB collaborates with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to ensure these rules are followed, and errant drivers who allow standing passengers beyond the set limit will face penalties.
## Penalties for Violation
While the specific penalties for violating the policy in Cebu City are not explicitly stated, violators could potentially face fines, suspension of their franchise, or even cancellation of their franchise in severe cases. The exact penalties would depend on the regulations set by LTFRB and the local transportation laws.
## Enforcement and Public Support
The policy has gained support from commuters who appreciate the emphasis on safety and comfort. The enforcement is part of a broader effort by the Transportation Department to ensure compliance with safety standards across public transportation. Highway patrol officers conduct physical inspections, and MPUJs' closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage will be randomly reviewed to enforce the policy.
Commuters are urged to report incidents of overloading by sending a photo of the vehicle's body or plate number, along with the date, time, and location of the violation. Valid and formal reports will help the LTFRB issue a show-cause order to the driver. Reports can be sent to [email protected] or made by calling 0917-704-6862 or (032) 344-9182.
A 20-year-old student, Keith Aquino, describes his daily commute as overloaded on PUVs. He supports the "anti-sardinas" policy, believing it will make commuting safer and more comfortable, despite potential difficulties during rush hour. Sulpicio Cestillo, a 47-year-old jeepney driver with 15 years of experience, also supports the government's policy, which reduces passenger capacity from 18 to 14. Despite income losses, especially during lean months, Cestillo follows the rule strictly, even during peak hours.
In conclusion, the "anti-sardinas" policy is a significant step towards improving safety and comfort for commuters in Cebu City. While it may pose challenges during rush hours, the benefits of a safer and more comfortable commute outweigh these difficulties. The policy serves as a reminder that safety should come before profit, a sentiment echoed by both commuters and drivers alike.
- The "anti-sardinas" policy implemented by the LTFRB 7 in Cebu City is aimed at preventing overloading of public utility vehicles (PUVs), a practice similar to packing people like canned sardines, and focuses on enforcing strict passenger limits.
- Modern public utility jeepneys (MPUJs) are now only allowed to have 10 standing passengers under this policy, and the LTFRB collaborates with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to ensure these rules are followed.
- Violators who allow standing passengers beyond the set limit may face fines, suspension of their franchise, or even cancellation of their franchise in severe cases, although the specific penalties are not explicitly stated.
- The policy has garnered support from commuters who appreciate the emphasis on safety and comfort, and enforcement includes physical inspections and random reviews of MPUJs' closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.
- Commuters are encouraged to report incidents of overloading by sending a photo of the vehicle, along with additional details, to [email protected] or by calling provided numbers.
- A 20-year-old student, Keith Aquino, and a 47-year-old jeepney driver, Sulpicio Cestillo, both support the government's policy, despite potential income losses for drivers, understanding that safety should come before profit.
