Quezon city: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced it will conduct a public consultation meeting focused on bus and other public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s initiatives to enhance the country's public transport system.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II stated that invitations have been sent to several stakeholders in the PUV sector to participate in the consultation, scheduled to take place at the LTFRB office in Quezon City on Friday. The meeting will primarily address terminal requirements and accreditations, with an emphasis on sharing best practices that could be adopted and replicated across the sector.

The consultation is prompted by recent inspections of 240 buses and PUV terminals nationwide, which revealed that 116 terminals were non-compliant with safety and comfort standards established by the LTFRB. Common infractions observed during these inspections include uncomfortable and unsafe waiting areas, nonfunctional and unclean comfort rooms, inadequate accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and insufficient safety and security measures.

Mendoza highlighted the importance of addressing these issues collaboratively with terminal managers and operators, noting that random and surprise inspections of bus and PUV terminals will become the 'new normal.' He stressed the need for solutions that adhere to existing rules and regulations while being acceptable to all parties involved.

Furthermore, Mendoza underscored that the meeting serves as evidence of the LTFRB's commitment not only to inspecting facilities but also to improving commuter services with the assistance of various stakeholders, transport groups, and concerned companies.