Chat hotline vs erring PUV drivers, operators launched

A smoke-belching jeepney flagged down during the”Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” campaign. CATHY MIRANDA/INQUIRER.net

Netizens could now take part in the government’s “Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” campaign as transport officials launched on Tuesday an online complaint system where they could file reports against erring public utility drivers and operators.

Dubbed “Sumbong Bulok, Sumbong Usok” (SBSU), the “chatbot hotline” will allow the public to immediately report to the Interagency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) unroadworthy vehicles, as well as “colorum,” illegally parked and smoke-belching vehicles. It could also take in complaints against illegal vendors who often obstruct roads causing congestion.

The public can access SBSU through I-ACT’s official Facebook Messenger account. On the chatbox, the complainant simply needs to choose from the menu of preset reports.

To back their complaint, netizens will be asked to provide a photo or a video.

Tim Orbos, the transport undersecretary for roads, said that through this platform developed for them for free by local tech firm Trufidelity Innovations, they would be able to expand I-ACT’s enforcement capabilities, especially at night when there are only a handful of enforcers on the streets.

He added that this will also allow them to better obtain data on where violators often ply or are located.

Besides the Department of Transportation, agencies which will process complaints from SBSU are the Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Orbos said the public can be assured that reports sent through SBSU will be looked into within the day. He added that the system allows agencies to know the average time it took to resolve a report. /je