The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II has directed all regional directors to conduct inspections of bus and transport terminals in preparation for this year’s Undas celebrations on November 1 and 2, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s emphasis on passenger comfort and safety. Mendoza stated in a Thursday announcement that the focus is on ensuring all public transport vehicles, drivers, and conductors meet safety standards to provide secure and comfortable journeys for travelers.
Key requirements include maintaining clean, functional comfort rooms (CRs) that are well-lighted and well-ventilated at no or minimal cost to passengers, along with comfortable waiting areas and a streamlined booking process. Mendoza explained, “We will also make sure that all buses and other public transport vehicles are safe—from the vehicles to the drivers and conductors— to ensure that passengers will go to their destinations safe and comfortable.” He further noted, “In particular, CRs must be functioning properly, well-lighted and well-ventilated at no cost or minimal cost to passengers.”
To enforce these standards year-round, Mendoza announced that random inspections will become a regular monthly practice, not limited to holidays. He said, “Under our watch, this will be a regular thing. Hindi lang pang undas, pasko o semana santa (Not only Undas, the holidays, or Holy Week). We will require random checking at least every month of the year.” Starting October 24, LTFRB will deploy mystery passengers nationwide to assess terminal conditions and ensure compliance with the guidelines.