Drivers academy to modernize public transportation: LTFRB

LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada with public utility vehicle drivers at the launch of Driving Academy in Quezon City (PNA Photo)

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the establishment of a Driving Academy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers will further improve the state of public transportation in the country.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said the agency will be providing free training seminars to PUV drivers nationwide.

“This is not just a launch, but a start of one of the major programs of the agency, which aims to upgrade the competence, skills, and enhance the character of our public utility drivers,” said Delgra in a statement.

The core modules of the training namely: anger management; road courtesy; terms and conditions of certificates of public convenience (CPC); and traffic rules and regulations were conceptualized by the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) with the help of curriculum experts from the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University.

Participants would be taking an examination after undergoing the whole-day training seminar, which would be conducted weekly.

Upon passing the examination, drivers will be issued an ID indicating that they are fit to drive a PUV.

“We hope to achieve our mission of ensuring safe, convenient, and reliable public transport by investing in our drivers,” Delgra added.

A total of 659 PUV drivers have initially participated in the nationwide launch of the Drivers’ Academy Thursday.

In an earlier interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada said the LTFRB intends to implement seminars on a graduated basis, depending on the level of qualification of drivers. These will be provided free of charge to PUV operators and drivers. Drivers of private vehicles may also opt to participate in the training academy.

The LTFRB also seeks the support of educational institutions, government agencies as well as commuter safety organizations to craft a comprehensive program that would not only develop the driving skills of PUV drivers but also inculcate the value of safety and discipline on the roads.

“We want to provide courses on real-life driving situations for PUV drivers to become more aware of road safety,” according to Lizada.

The agency eventually envisions implementing a database for PUV drivers that will monitor their compliance with traffic rules and regulations and will also share the information with the LTO.

“It will be a prerequisite for PUV operators to only hire drivers who underwent and passed the training academy,” Lizada said.