LTFRB: Driving Academy for PUV Drivers in the Works

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will coordinate with various educational institutions for the implementation of the agency’s plan to put up a driving academy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers nationwide.

LTFRB board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada said PUV drivers should be trained under a driving academy to develop their skills and to ensure road safety and discipline.

She said the initiative is part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) vision to modernize public transportation in the country.

LTFRB is set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Ateneo School of Government and the De La Salle University (DLSU) Psychology Department later this month to offer courses under the driver training academy program.

“All PUV drivers will be covered by the academy. We need them to be retrained on road safety such as knowing different traffic signs and markings. Many accidents on roads could have been prevented if there are safety nets in place,” Lizada said in a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency.

According to the LTFRB official, the Ateneo School of Government will be providing modules on road safety while the DLSU Psychology Department will be offering lessons on anger management and road rage.

“We have observed that there is lack of competency exams for road safety in government agencies. For instance, how to deal with road rages and prevent them from happening. That is the reason why we partnered with reputable academic institutions to seek for their assistance. We are grateful for Ateneo and La Salle for giving their support to this initiative,” Lizada said.

She said the LTFRB will continue to seek 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 on road safety.”

“Our main concern is to provide a safe ride for the passengers who are the main stakeholders of the LTFRB and DOTr. While we go with the PUV modernization, the skills of the drivers should be upgraded,” according to Lizada.

Through this program, PUV drivers will be provided seminars and undergo examinations to evaluate their driving competencies. Drivers who will pass the exams will be given an identification (ID) card with a one-year validity which may be renewed thereafter.

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 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 to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

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