MMDA: Bus operators support public vehicle tagging program

The vehicle tagging system being implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for passenger buses may still need a little fine-tuning although the scheme has the support of bus operators, MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said yesterday.

During the first day of the scheme’s week-long dry run, Tolentino noticed that some of the passenger buses flagged down by traffic enforcers did not follow the size and color of the tags set by the agency.

“Many bus operators have complied with the requirements although we still need to make adjustments,” he said in a phone interview.

Tolentino added, “Some of the tags looked [like they had been] rushed. The [bus operators] still have until next week to follow the size requirements.”

Under the scheme, the license plate of all registered and franchised public utility vehicles (PUVs) plying major and secondary thoroughfares in the metropolis should be painted prominently on the vehicles’ roof.

The program, which aims to make it easier for the MMDA to weed out “colorum” public vehicles or those which do not have franchises though the agency’s closed circuit television cameras, is initially being implemented among city buses.

Tolentino said he received a statement of support for the program from 20 major bus operators who pledged to “unequivocally” comply with the vehicle tagging system. Among those who signed the manifesto were the operators of St. Rose Transit and Mayamy Bus, he added.

Starting next week, Tolentino said the agency would start issuing violation tickets to the drivers of buses found to be without the required roof tags.

First-time offenders will be slapped a P500 fine while second offenders may end up without a franchise as the MMDA will automatically recommend the move to land transport regulators.

Bus drivers who were flagged down by MMDA enforcers yesterday were let off with a warning.

By October, the agency expects to expand the program to cover other public vehicles, including taxis, provincial buses, AUVs, school buses and cargo trucks.