Ensure safety, comfort of passengers during Christmas rush, LTFRB tells bus companies

As people start to troop to bus stations to return to their provinces this Christmas season, the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday, Dec. 21, directed bus companies and operators to ensure the safety and comfort of commuters.

In a statement, Guadiz encouraged bus operators and drivers to make additional efforts to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for travelers heading to their hometowns.

“As we approach the festive holiday season, I order all bus companies to implement stringent safety measures, including the strict adherence to traffic regulations, proper maintenance of vehicles, and the provision of comfortable and well-maintained buses for passengers,” he said.

“I urge bus companies to prioritize passenger welfare, uphold safety standards, and contribute to the spirit of goodwill during this joyous time,” he went on.

Should bus companies and operators fail to execute such, the LTFRB chief warned them that

If they don’t follow the LTFRB’s guidelines for maintaining the safety of the riding public, the LTFRB chief threatened to take legal action, which may include severe fines and franchise suspension.

“Bus operators and companies under the purview of the LTFRB are reminded to strictly adhere to the established rules and regulations set forth by our agency,” he stated.

“Failure to comply with these regulations poses a significant risk to the well-being of passengers and will not be tolerated. Bus operators are hereby warned that any lapses in ensuring the safety and security of the riding public may result in severe sanctions.”

As such, Guadiz reminded bus companies and operators of the measures terminal facilities must implement such as setting up online ticketing and dispatching, assistance counters, priority lanes, accessibility ramps for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and concrete flooring on the entire terminal, among others.

The agency stated that they must also ensure that there is a sufficient number of security personnel in the terminals and told them to make sure that they are operating with an up-to-date Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

In addition, Guadiz warned public utility vehicles (PUVs) for overloading, overcharging, and using “colorum” vehicles.

Overloading on PUVs poses danger to passengers and everyone inside the vehicle including the driver and conductor, he reiterated.

Guadiz stressed the need for bus companies and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) to adhere strictly to the LTFRB fare matrix, advising passengers not to support PUVs charging beyond the designated fare.

He also cautioned passengers to exercise caution regarding “colorum” or private vehicles operating for hire without proper authority from the LTFRB.

“Do not patronize colorums, think of your safety. Riding in colorum vehicles involved in an accident can pose risks as these vehicles often lack proper insurance coverage and safety standards,” said Guadiz.

“Passengers might face difficulties in claiming compensation or medical assistance in the absence of authorized and regulated services. It’s crucial to prioritize safety by choosing legally authorized transportation options,” he added.

The LTFRB chief stated that penalties, including impounding vehicles, revoking Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC), blacklisting apprehended vehicles, and revoking vehicle registrations, could be applied to offenders.

He urged passengers to report complaints directly to the LTFRB through the “Hotline 1342.”

Earlier, the LTFRB granted special permits to provincial buses to ensure ample public transportation for passengers during the holiday rush