The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered Alps the Bus Inc. to explain why its franchise should not be suspended or canceled after one of its passenger buses caught fire along the South Luzon Expressway.
The operator was given three days from receipt of the show cause order to submit its explanation as the agency opened an inquiry into possible safety and maintenance lapses.
A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10, when the company is expected to present records on the roadworthiness and maintenance history of the bus involved in the Aug. 28 incident.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua said the investigation would determine whether the operator violated conditions under its Certificate of Public Convenience, particularly those covering passenger safety.
The driver and conductor are also expected to explain the circumstances surrounding the fire as part of the proceedings.
The LTFRB said the incident placed not only passengers at risk but also other motorists using the expressway, prompting scrutiny of the company’s compliance with safety requirements.
Failure to appear at the hearing and file an answer may be treated as a waiver of the operator’s right to be heard and could carry a Php 5,000 penalty under the show cause order.
Pua also reminded public utility vehicle operators to keep their units roadworthy and strictly follow passenger and road safety protocols while the case against Alps the Bus remains under review.
