LTFRB directs bus to improve terminal facilities in 60 days
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has directed all bus and terminal operators nationwide to initiate “necessary improvements and upgrades” in their terminal facilities within 60 days or face administrative sanctions and penalties.
According to the LTFRB, the improvements are “imperative to ensure the safety of passengers and their convenience should be the top priority of passenger bus and terminal operators.”
It also ordered bus companies to conduct a self-assessment of their terminal facilities using the required standards and to submit a compliance plan within five days from the issuance of the LTFRB resolution.
The compliance plan must detail their existing gaps in facilities and services; specific upgrades and improvements to be undertaken; a timeline or schedule of implementation; and staff training initiatives related to sanitation, customer service, safety and accessibility.
To verify their compliance, the LTFRB will perform a final inspection and validation visit and those who fail will face administrative sanctions or penalties.
Earlier, President Marcos and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to ensure that bus firms and operators prioritize the safety and convenience of their passengers amid the rise of road crashes in the country.
Sanctions for noncompliance
The LTO, meanwhile, will recommend sanctions against Mark Eve’s Transit, Elavil and Eagle Star for the “substandard level of passenger convenience” at their terminals in Quezon City.
During surprise roadworthiness inspections on Saturday, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza discovered the three bus companies were not complying with standards set by the LTFRB.
He personally checked the tires and reviewed their maintenance records of passenger buses in order to ensure they were complying with road safety regulations.
According to Mendoza, he will “personally report” his findings to Dizon and LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III “for immediate action.”
