Are you a Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operator who is looking to enhance or modify the specifications of your vehicles to better meet market demands or regulatory requirements? The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) offers a streamlined process for upgrading or downgrading PUV units, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Whether you’re aiming to transition from non-air-conditioned to air-conditioned units, or vice versa, LTFRB provides clear guidelines and procedures to facilitate this process efficiently.
Understanding the evolving needs of the commuters and the dynamic landscape of the local transportation regulations, the LTFRB has instituted measures to accommodate PUV operators who are seeking to upgrade or downgrade their units. These modifications, while ensuring passenger comfort and safety, also contribute to the overall improvement of the public transportation system. By adhering to LTFRB’s guidelines and fulfilling the necessary requirements, PUV operators can navigate the process smoothly, facilitating the transition to upgraded or downgraded units in accordance with their business needs and regulatory obligations.
Upgrading and Downgrading Units at the LTFRB
At the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), upgrading and downgrading units refer to the process of changing the specification of a Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) from non-air conditioned to air-conditioned and vice versa.
Upgrading involves transitioning a PUV unit from a regular/ordinary configuration to an air-conditioned one. It typically entails installing air-conditioning systems and meeting certain standards set by the LTFRB for air-conditioned vehicles. On the other hand, downgrading entails converting an air-conditioned PUV unit back to a regular/ordinary configuration. This might involve removing the air-conditioning system and ensuring that the vehicle complies with the specifications for non-air-conditioned PUVs as per LTFRB regulations.
Both upgrading and downgrading processes require the submission of a petition to the LTFRB, along with necessary documents and fees, as outlined in the guidelines provided by the agency. The LTFRB evaluates these petitions and, upon approval, issues an order allowing the CPC holder to implement the desired changes to their PUV units.
Who Can Avail of the Service
This service is available to all Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) holders seeking authorization to convert the specification of a unit from non-air-conditioned to air-conditioned, or vice versa.
Requirements for Upgrading or Downgrading PUV Units at the LTFRB
The requirements for filing a petition to upgrade or downgrade PUV units at the LTFRB include:
- Four (4) original copies of Verified Petition with annexes and verification and certification of Non-Forum Shopping;
- Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of valid government-issued Identification Card with photograph of applicant/petitioner
- Driver’s License
- SSS ID
- UMID
- PAG-IBIG ID
- BIR TIN ID
- PhilHealth ID
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID, or
- Philippine Passport
- Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of current LTO OR/CR of authorized unit with year model;
- LTFRB Inspection Report with attached picture of unit taken during inspection.
For Authorized Representatives (Individual Operators)
Personal appearance of the petitioner is required. However, if it is not possible for petitioner to be physically present, then the authorized representative is allowed but only upon the presentation of:
- Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of Duly notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
- Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of Valid Government-Issued ID of the applicant and authorized representative
For Cooperatives
- Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of Board Resolution authorizing the Upgrading/Downgrading of the unit/s and designating the authorized representative
- Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the valid government-issued ID of the authorized representative
Procedures for Upgrading or Downgrading Units at the LTFRB
To file a petition for upgrading or downgrading units at the LTFRB, here are the steps that you need to take:
Step 1. Visit the LTFRB office.
Step 2. Gets Petition/ Application form and checklist of requirements at the Public Assistance Complaint Desk (PACD).
Step 3. Submits Sworn Petition/ Application with requirements at Window 8 & 9 with supporting documents
Step 4. Wait for the LTFRB technical division to retrieve the records and authenticate your requirement.
Step 5. Once done, the financial analyst will provide you with the assessment of Fees. Claim the Payment Order Slip (POS) at Window 11.
Step 6. Upon receipt of the POS, proceed to Cashier (Door B)
Step 7. Wait for your turn to make a payment and wait for the issuance of the Official Receipt.
Step 8. Once you have the OR on hand, submit the Petition/Application with Official Receipt of Payment at Window 8 and 9.
Step 9. Proceed to Window 11 for the claim stub which bears the date when to claim his/her copy of the application/ petition.
Step 10. Wait while the petition is forwarded to the Technical Division for evaluation.
Step 11. On the date of the appointment for release, visit the LTFRB Office and proceed to the Window 8 & 9 with your claim stub.
Step 12. Claim the Order at ISMD Releasing Unit on the 2nd Floor of the LTFRB Main Building
By following these steps and ensuring all requirements are met, you can efficiently file a petition for PUV unit upgrade or downgrade at LTFRB, facilitating the process and ensuring compliance with regulations. Make sure to double-check all documents and fees to avoid delays in processing.
Fees
When filing a petition to upgrade or downgrade units at the LTFRB, you need to make sure that you are ready to at least pay the following fees:
- Upgrading
- Php 510.00 first two (2) units
- Legal Research Fee: Php 10
- Clearance of Accounts: Php 50
- Franchise Verification: Php 40
- Php 70.00 per unit in excess of two (2) units
- Downgrading
- Php 510.00 first two (2) units
- Legal Research Fee: Php 10
- Clearance of Accounts: Php 50
- Franchise Verification: Php 40
- Php 70.00 per unit in excess of two (2) units
Processing Time
The processing time for the petition to upgrade or downgrade a PUV unit at the LTFRB usually takes about eighteen (18) days per application, provided that all the required documents are submitted. If there are other transactions or in cases of incomplete documents, then the processing time may take longer and the costs may be potentially higher.
Important Reminders
When upgrading or downgrading units at the LTFRB, here are some important reminders to take note of:
- The upgrading of unit shall mean upgrading a unit from regular/ordinary to air-conditioned PUV;
- The downgrading of unit shall mean downgrading a unit from air-conditioned to regular/ordinary PUV;
- If Petition involves two (2) totally different units, requirements for Petition for Dropping and Substitution applies
Summary
The process of petitioning for the upgrade or downgrade of PUV units at LTFRB, provides a structured pathway for operators to adapt their fleets to changing market demands and regulatory standards. Through the clear guidelines and procedures, LTFRB ensures compliance while facilitating the efficient transition between non-air-conditioned and air-conditioned units. By recognizing the evolving needs of the commuters and the complex regulatory landscape, LTFRB’s measures accommodate operators’ requirements while also prioritizing passenger comfort and safety, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of the public transportation system.
By adhering to these requirements, navigating the outlined procedures, and being mindful of processing times and fees, operators can seamlessly implement upgrades or downgrades, aligning their fleets with business needs and regulatory obligations. This comprehensive process underscores LTFRB’s commitment to fostering a responsive and compliant public transportation sector for the benefit of all stakeholders.