For many motorists, issues involving public utility vehicles (PUVs) barely register. After all, when you’re in the comfort of your own car or riding your own motorcycle or scooter, you set your own schedule and avoid the frustrations of unreliable commutes, like jeepneys or buses idling for extended periods at their illegal terminals.

But that changed when the US-led conflict in the Middle East drove fuel prices sharply upward, more than doubling costs. Faced with rising expenses, many motorists have since returned to mass transport as a more practical option.

_{LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor Mendoza II}

With that shift, commuters are once again exposed to the realities of the system, including encounters with erring PUV drivers. For those who may have missed it, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) launched Kumyu-Konek, which is a Viber hotline, allowing passengers to report misbehaving drivers and conductors quickly and directly.

“Passengers deserve more, passengers deserve better transport services. Hindi puwede yung puwede na… The instruction of our President is clear: We have to improve the public transport system so that even car owners would be encouraged to commute. That is why we have been conducting aggressive campaigns in that matter, and this program will be a big boost to that goal,” said LTFRB Chairman, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II.

Cracking down on erring PUV drivers, dilapidated units, smoke belchers, and run-down terminals, the program puts accountability front and center. Commuters are urged to report violations through the LTFRB Komyu-Konek Hotline 0956-761-0739, which is Viber-compatible for sending photos and videos, as well as via the agency’s official Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) pages. Complaints may also be filed through email at pacd@ltfrb.gov.ph and complaints@ltfrb.gov.ph, or by visiting any LTFRB regional office.

You’d hope never to encounter an erring driver or conductor, but if you do, you know exactly where to report it.