Mandatory GPS device on PUVs improves Butuan City’s transport system
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The installation of global positioning system (GPS) tracking devices in public utility vehicles (PUVs) is now reinforcing Butuan City’s transportation management system, ensuring safety, accountability, and efficiency for both operators and commuters.
“The use of GPS is very important, especially in tracking PUVs at night. We can easily monitor their speed and location, and verifying complaints has become easier through this system,” said Elmer Campania, technical assistant of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Caraga during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga.
On Oct. 24, LTFRB signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the city government of Butuan through the City Transportation and Traffic Management Department (CTTMD), and operators, formalizing the mandatory GPS installation in all public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Butuan City.
The MOA is anchored on LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2015-021 and the Department of Transportation (DOT) Department Order No 2023-022 which require GPS to all fixed route public transportation modes.
According to Campania, one of the advantages of installing GPS is that LTFRB can easily track the PUVs. They can easily verify the complaints filed to their office.
“Complaints such as PUVs not following their routes or out of line, trip cutting, over speeding, and among others can be filed in our office and official Facebook page. If proven true through verification of the GPS tracking system, erring drivers will be fined P5,000,” Campania said.
Engineer Karl Jun Arellano of CTTMD, emphasized that the GPS tracking initiative not only promotes order and efficiency but also enhances commuter safety, particularly for women, efficient and modern transportation services for all, specially that one of its features is the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) a contactless payment system.
“With the use of GPS carnapping can be prevented and the route and driving speed will be monitored,” Engineer Arellano added.
Currently, there are two (2) LTFRB accredited GPS service providers in Butuan City. This is to ensure that it is not difficult for PUV owners/drivers due to accessible options for compliance.
In addition, under the Sanguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 7278-2025, tricycle operators in the city are also mandated to install GPS to their units 6 months after getting their franchise.
Regular commuter, Angelica Cortez, expressed appreciation for this initiative, saying, “I am thankful for this, as an employee who often works overtime and residents far from the city proper, the GPS provides women like me a sense of security that the vehicle I am riding is monitored.”
With this initiative, LTFRB Caraga and Butuan CTTMD continue to push for a safer, smarter, and more transparent transportation system in the city, one that upholds public trust and ensures commuter welfare. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
