As more passengers troop to transportation hubs for the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day exodus, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, warned operators of bus terminals to ensure that their facilities comply with the basic requirements for safety and comfort.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg G. Pua, Jr. said they already deployed their personnel to check on the status of bus terminals across the country, in coordination with other government agencies that include the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
He said the PNP is focusing on the peace and order in bus terminals and major thoroughfares while the PDEA is engaged in conducting random and surprise drug test for drivers and conductors to ensure the mental fitness for long drive.
“It is the obligation of the bus operators to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers. This is not only about the conditions set in the authority to operate, it is also about debt of gratitude because their passengers are main the lifeline of their operation,” said Acting Chairman Pua.
“Tumanaw naman po tayo ng utang na loob sa mga pasahero sa pamamagitan ng pagsukli sa tiwala na binibigay sa inyo,” he stressed.
On his first inspections since his return to the DOTr, Secretary Dizon called the attention of two PUV operators for having bus terminals with facilities that do not conform with the conditions set in operating transport stations and terminals.
Among the common observations were ill-maintained comfort rooms, lack of sufficient and safe spaces for waiting passengers, and incomplete facilities to protect passengers from heat and rain.
Acting Chairman Pua reminded bus and terminal operators of the existing LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2017-030 which specified the details on the basic facilities that must be provided to the passengers.
The same Memorandum Circular mentioned the sanctions, including P5,000 per day and per violation.
Acting Chairman Pua said all heads of the Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices (RFROs) were already tasked to replicate the conduct of random and surprise inspections in their respective areas of responsibility.
He said those inspections must be conducted regularly on the days leading to the Undas exodus. The peak of the passenger arrival is expected to be on Friday.
“The goal has always been to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers at this time of the year,” said Acting Chairman Pua, adding that this is in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.
And part of that compliance to the President’s order is to approve the special permit for more than 1,200 passengers to ensure ample supply of vehicles to millions of passengers for the Undas.
He said all the RFROs were instructed to submit regular report of their respective inspections of not only bus terminals but also passenger buses.
