As more passengers troop to transportation hubs for the All Saints and All Souls days exodus, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board directed operators of bus terminals to ensure that their facilities comply with the basic requirements for safety and comfort.
Acting LTFRB chairman Greg 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 including the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
He said the PNP is focusing on 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 the main lifeline of their operation,” Pua said in a statement Oct. 29.
He 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 circular states that violators shall be fined P5,000 per day, per violation.
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 inspections must be conducted regularly on the days leading to the Undas exodus. The peak of the passenger arrival is expected today, Oct. 30.
“The goal has always been to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers at this time of the year,” Pua stressed. ||
