Photo courtesy of LTFRB
A viral road rage incident involving a passenger jeepney in Marikina City has placed its operator under LTFRB scrutiny, with the cooperative’s authority to operate potentially at stake.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued a show cause order against Gardenia Kapit-Bisig Multi-Purpose and Transport Service Cooperative after reviewing a video of the confrontation.
The footage showed a private motorist and a jeepney driver engaged in an altercation along a busy road, disrupting traffic and leaving jeepney passengers stranded.
The LTFRB said the incident raised questions over whether the operator had complied with the conditions of its Certificate of Public Convenience, particularly the requirement to provide safe, reliable and convenient public transport.
The cooperative was ordered to submit a notarized written explanation on or before a Sept. 10 hearing and answer why it had employed an allegedly reckless driver.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. warned that the case could have consequences beyond the driver involved because the operator’s CPC may also be affected by the outcome of the investigation.
“We said it before and we will say it again: Road rage brings no good to any motorist. It does not only create legal trouble, it also compromises the safety of the drivers involved and other road users,” Pua said.
He also urged public utility vehicle operators to remind drivers to exercise patience, discipline and road courtesy, saying confrontations on the road could put passengers and other motorists at risk.
The LTFRB said the case forms part of its continuing enforcement of road safety rules and standards for public utility vehicle operators and drivers.