MMDA starts enforcing bus tagging scheme

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday started implementing a tagging scheme on public utility vehicles (PUV). Radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported that MMDA personnel, led by officer-in-charge Yves Gonzalez, informed the drivers of buses without proper tags about the penalties that will be imposed when the full implementation of the tagging scheme begins next week. A grace period for the tagging scheme has been set from August 15 to 20, the MMDA said. During this period, erring bus drivers are given pamphlets explaining the details of the tagging scheme, the report said. Last Friday, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said erring bus drivers and conductors will only be given warnings during the grace period but "after that, we will be very strict with the enforcement of this resolution." First-time violators will be fined P500. Second-time violators face the cancellation or suspension of their Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board franchises, the MMDA said. By October, the MMDA intends to expand the tagging program to include other PUVs such as provincial buses, AUVs, school shuttle service, taxis, and cargo trucks. The scheme aims to track down colorum and out-of-line PUVs and improve the traffic monitoring of the MMDA. Traffic violators can easily be identified because of the plate numbers painted on the roofs of the PUVs. Law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) can monitor and track down marked PUVs during emergency situations. - VVP, GMA News