The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered Viofel Transport Inc. to explain why its franchise should not be suspended or revoked after one of its buses figured in a multiple-vehicle crash along España Boulevard that left a senior citizen dead and nine others injured.
The Sept. 11 crash happened in front of the University of Santo Tomas, prompting the LTFRB to issue a show cause order against the operator.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua said investigators were looking into two possible causes raised after the incident, including the driver’s claim that the bus lost its brakes and witness accounts that the vehicle had been speeding.
Pua said either scenario could point to possible violations of the conditions attached to the company’s Certificate of Public Convenience, particularly requirements on vehicle roadworthiness and the employment of qualified drivers.
The operator was directed to appear at a hearing on Sept. 17 and bring maintenance and roadworthiness records for the bus involved.
The LTFRB said it would also coordinate with other agencies on tests to determine whether the driver was under the influence of any substance at the time of the crash.
The agency instructed its National Capital Region office to help ensure that insurance benefits are released promptly to the victims, with Php 400,000 due for each fatality and Php 100,000 for each injured person under the applicable PUV insurance coverage.
The LTFRB also reminded public transport operators that they are responsible for keeping their units roadworthy and ensuring that drivers are physically and mentally fit to operate vehicles.
Courtesy: LTFRB
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