New crackdown on buses, this time for ‘wraparound’ ads

A total of 38 passenger buses were impounded Wednesday in line with a campaign by transport officials to strip them of so-called “wraparound” ads.

Authorities said robbers could easily target such buses and use those ads for concealment. Unscrupulous drivers or operators could also use them to cover identifying marks on the vehicle.

In a press statement, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the operation was part of “Oplan Hubaran” which was being implemented with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez said the campaign was aimed at showing their seriousness in implementing the memorandum circular issued last month which required all PUVs—buses, taxi cabs and jeepneys—to first seek the agency’s approval before they install “transit advertisement” on their vehicles.

“Oplan Hubaran” seeks to eradicate offending transit ads that cover the windows, operators’ names and plate numbers of PUVs, Ginez added.

Ginez explained that passenger buses with wraparound ads were also being targeted by organized crime groups because it was difficult to see inside these vehicles.

“We are looking out for the welfare and safety of the public. This is why we are implementing this scheme,” he said.

The circular states that public utility vehicle operators can install the ads on their vehicles but only where it will not constitute a traffic hazard or compromise the safety, comfort and convenience of passengers and the public.

Transit ads on PUVs must not impede, limit or obstruct in any way the driver’s line of sight. It should also not cover the trade name, license plate number and body number of the vehicle or make it difficult for the riding public to identify the bus.

“Oplan Hubaran” was conducted in key locations in the metropolis yesterday, particularly on EDSA in Mandaluyong City.

The PUVs apprehended yesterday were impounded and penalized. First-time offenders were fined P10,000 while those caught committing their second violation were slapped with a P20,000 fine. Third-time offenders face the revocation of their permits.