Over 2,000 PUVs Apprehended with Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok Anti-Smoke Belching Drive

A total of 2,321 dilapidated public utility vehicles (PUVs) have been apprehended by the government as of March 13 since it started its 'Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok' (TBTU) anti-smoke belching campaign on January 8, 2018.

Enforced by the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT)--which is composed of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG)--the group has reportedly already issued a total of 502 subpoena orders to PUV drivers due to smoke belching and 1,668 citation tickets for defective parts and other similar violations.

In addition, more than a hundred 'colorum' and illegal PUVs have been impounded during the TBTU initiative.

I-ACT has also expanded its operations outside of Metro Manila, specifically to the nearby provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Rizal as vehicular congestion in these areas has contributed to the gridlocks in the metropolis.

Under the TBTU campaign, I-ACT inspects the PUVs' body (appearance), engine, lights, brakes, tires, horn, battery, and smoke emission to check their roadworthiness. Failure to pass the roadworthiness test will result in the suspension of the PUV franchises and impounding of the units.