The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday conducted a roadworthiness inspection of jeepneys at a Motor Vehicle Inspection Center in Sta. Cruz, Manila. The inspection aims to ensure that the passenger vehicles are safe and in good condition before the regulations are fully implemented nationwide.
According to LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza, the inspection covered a comprehensive and automated process including visual inspection, side slip test, suspension test, brake test, emission test, sound test, and headlight assessment. Both under-chassis and above-chassis components were also examined, with a total of 57 inspection items per vehicle.
Mendoza emphasized that the goal of the program is to improve public service. "We are showing it to stakeholders to see what needs to be fixed before we implement it nationwide. Jeepney operators have the opportunity to fix their vehicles if they fail the inspection," he said.
Manibela President Mar Valbuena supported the initiative and said that almost 95 percent of their jeepneys are in good and roadworthy condition. "When a vehicle, regardless of the type of transportation, is no longer roadworthy, the operation and franchise should be stopped," he added.
The LTFRB announced that they also plan to conduct inspections of buses next week to maintain the safety and quality of public transportation in the country.
