Friday, June 01, 2007 Carpool owners operating sans permit warned anew By Carlo P. Mallo
LAND Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Southern Mindanao chief Abdul Gafar Mohammad has warned anew carpool operators and drivers who would be operating without the necessary permits of dire consequences.
He said they would start cracking down against "colorum" vehicles as classes start on Monday.
Mohammad disclosed that there were more than 300 applications for carpool franchise as early as January. More than 270 applications were approved, while some are still being processed. But so far, only 40 have claimed their respective franchises.
A reason for this, according to Mohammad, is that vehicles should bear a black and yellow warning sign around its body. He said this is necessary for other drivers to be warned and take extra caution every time they go near a carpool vehicle.
Mohammad added that it is necessary for carpool operators to obtain franchises before operating to ensure the vehicle to be used as carpool is safe.
"The safety of the children is our primary concern here," said Mohammad.
