• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Random and surprise inspections in bus terminals will be conducted to ensure the roadworthiness of buses as thousands of motorists will hit the road for the Holy Week observance.
Land Transportation Office assistant secretary, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, has directed all regional directors and concerned agency officials to prepare road safety plans and conduct terminal inspections ahead of the Holy Week exodus.
“My instruction is more on proactive measures through visibility in major thoroughfares, for assistance and law enforcement, and the conduct of random and surprise inspections on bus terminals to ensure the roadworthiness of passenger buses,” Mendoza said in a statement, adding there is also need to ensure the mental and physical readiness of drivers and conductors via drug testing.
While the Holy Week exodus is expected to start by April 16, Mendoza said the visibility of LTO personnel should begin as early as this weekend as some travelers may have already filed a vacation leave and would start their travel.
Aside from bus terminals and major thoroughfares, LTO personnel will also be present on roads leading to seaports and airports all over the country.
“Part of my instruction is to coordinate with the local government units for us to also help in their Holy Week security plan,” Mendoza said, adding the safety of all road users should be prioritized.
Motorists are also urged to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles – from the engine, tire pressure and other vehicle mechanicals, to the readiness of the assigned driver – to avoid unnecessary inconvenience along the way.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, meanwhile, has granted special permits to more than 1,000 buses, and has begun a series of inspections to ensure a safe and orderly Holy Week exodus.
LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said 1,018 special permits have been issued, as of April 8, to augment the supply of provincial buses during the peak travel period. The special permits are valid from April 11 to 27, covering the Holy Week and the days immediately after.
Random inspections of PUV and transport terminals, and checking the validity of operators’ documents, including permits, fare matrices, vehicle markings, and safety accessories, have also started Monday and will continue throughout the travel rush. | CGC
