New LTFRB Leadership Looks to Data-Driven Solutions for Public Transport
The newly installed chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Lawyer Vigor D. Mendoza II, has ordered a comprehensive data pull from LTFRB regional offices. The goal is to compile all information related to issued franchises and analyze how many are still operating, as part of a broader effort to address persistent commuting problems in urban areas.
Seven-Day Data Pull to Map Franchises and Operations
In a bold move to ground policy decisions in verifiable facts, Mendoza instructed all regional directors to submit the requested data within seven days. He emphasized that the exercise would illuminate the current landscape of franchises and help determine which routes are actually serving the public and which need intervention.
“We have to get all this data so that we can decide properly and appropriately. The Filipino people can be assured of data-based decision-making that will benefit millions of commuters,” Mendoza said. This approach signals a shift toward transparency and accountability in how transport franchises are issued and managed.
Addressing Urban Transport Chaos with Real Numbers
The move comes amid growing concerns about the state of public transportation in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez described the situation as chaotic—almost like war—and urged department officials to experience public transport firsthand by commuting at least once a week. The intention is to gain practical insights that can translate into effective policy reforms.
Metro Manila and other urban centers in the Visayas and Mindanao have long grappled with congested roads, unreliable service, and inefficiencies in bus and jeepney routes. By compiling a nationwide dataset on franchises and their operations, the LTFRB hopes to identify gaps, imbalances, and redundancies that contribute to commuters’ daily woes.
From Backlogs to Better Routes: Mendoza’s Experience
Mendoza brings a track record of tackling complex transportation challenges. He previously led the Land Transportation Office (LTO), where he confronted issues such as an 11-year backlog in license plates and shortages of plastic cards for driver’s licenses. His experience underscores a belief that meaningful reforms start with clear, reliable data and a coordinated administrative response.
What Could Data-Guided Decisions Look Like?
The data initiative is expected to yield several practical outcomes:
- Identification of underperforming routes that require franchise adjustments or service enhancements.
- Verification of active franchises to prevent “ghost” operators and ensure accountability.
- Better alignment of fleet sizes with actual demand, reducing oversupply and crowding.
- Targeted interventions in districts facing the worst congestion and transit delays.
Officials hope that a more precise inventory of franchises and operators will enable faster, more targeted policy decisions—ranging from route restructuring to service standards and compliance enforcement.
Implications for Commuters and Operators
For commuters, the initiative promises more reliable services and fewer disruptions caused by mismanaged franchises. Operators could face a tighter regulatory framework, improved supervision, and clearer guidelines for service quality. The data-driven approach also opens possibilities for public feedback loops, where commuter experiences help refine franchise policies over time.
Looking Ahead
As the seven-day data collection period unfolds, all eyes will be on the LTFRB to translate raw numbers into concrete improvements in public transport. The department’s leadership believes that a culture of data-driven decision-making can restore public trust and deliver tangible relief to millions of urban riders. Mendoza’s leadership, coupled with corroborating actions from the transportation secretary, signals a concerted push toward more efficient, accountable, and commuter-friendly transport governance.
