TBTU drive catches over 1K dilapidated, smoke belching PUVs

FILE: Latest figures from I-ACT show that since the TBTU was launched last January 8, a total of 1,169 PUVs had been apprehended for various violations, ranging from defective parts, illegally franchised or “colorum” vehicles, to smoke belching. (Photo courtesy of DOTr/PNA photo)

MANILA — The Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT) has apprehended more than a thousand dilapidated and smoke-belching public utility vehicles (PUVs) under its ongoing “Tanggal Bulok Tanggal Usok” (TBTU) drive.

Latest figures from I-ACT show that since the TBTU was launched last January 8, a total of 1,169 PUVs had been apprehended for various violations, ranging from defective parts, illegally franchised or “colorum” vehicles, to smoke belching.

As such, 842 vehicles were given ticket citations, 62 were impounded, and 265 subpoenas were issued for smoke belching.

I-ACT has recently expanded its operations to nearby provinces of Metro Manila-Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Rizal-as vehicular congestion in these areas has contributed to the heavy traffic situation in the metropolis.

“The TBTU campaign is being done in compliance with the President’s directive to get dilapidated and smoke-belching PUVs off the streets,” I-ACT head secretariat Manny Gonzales said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“The government is serious about implementing the law. I appeal to jeepney operators not to let the colorum jeepneys ply through their routes.” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Assistant General Manager for Planning Jojo Garcia said.

Meanwhile, I-ACT will be deploying additional city buses as an alternative mode of transportation for commuters that might be stranded due to the ongoing TBTU campaign.

A total of 15 buses will be prepositioned Thursday in Masinag area in Antipolo going to Montalban, Rizal, and Rizal-Cubao. These are the routes currently being served by public utility jeepneys.

“We need to inform the MMDA, which we did already,” I-ACT spokesperson Aileen Lizada said in a text message to reporters on Tuesday. “MMD, in turn, will inform the local government unit (LGU) concerned.”

The additional buses are on top of the 20 earlier deployed in various parts of Metro Manila on the first day of the drive.

Among the routes traversed by the buses on special trips were SM North to Balintawak, MRT to Paramount Building in Quezon City, Bagbay to Sauyo in Novaliches going to Munoz Highway, Pasay Rotonda going to Evangelista and Mall of Asia (MOA), and Fairview-Taft and Fairview-Quiapo.

The special buses charge PHP10 for the non-airconditioned and PHP12 for the air-conditioned units. The deployment will be coordinated with the LGUs concerned, which will designate the bus stops.

Under the TBTU campaign, the council inspects the PUVs’ body (appearance), engine, lights, brakes, tires, horn, battery, and smoke emission to check their roadworthiness. Failure to pass the roadworthiness test will result in the suspension of the franchises of PUVs. (PNA)