LTFRB, LTO inspect southbound buses
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Region-7 and the Land Transportation Office -7 jointly conducted bus inspection at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) yesterday to ensure that drivers and operators are following road rules and r
The inspection was made to ensure that southbound buses are safe and roadworthy as they will be carrying thousands of passengers who will be observing All Saints' Day and All Soul's Day in their respective hometowns.
Aside from road worthiness, the two agencies will also check that buses have the necessary documents proving their franchise. A P2 million fine and impounding of the bus await bus operators who will be operating without the necessary franchise.
LTFRB-7 Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon said that the inspection went smoothly.
Despite having complete documents, one of the 30 inspected buses was not allowed to leave the terminal yesterday due to physical damage on the unit.
According to Cuizon, the bus was deemed not fit to travel upon their inspection.
“Okay papers but the appearance, naa'y mga gubaguba, ang sticker were laksi ug ang kisami na'y tipak,” he described.
His office had coordinated with the management of the CSBT not to let the bus travel until the bus operator has repaired the damages.
He added that he had summoned the bus operator to come to LTFRB-7 to secure a list of the things the operator needs to comply with in order to resume operations.
“Dili namo padaganon until such time nga ma-comply nila ang mga notice,” he said.
No other major deficiencies were noted during the inspection except for some missing signage (stickers) that will pinpoint where persons with disabilities should sit.
Cuizon said that bus operators have been very compliant but reiterated that a complete set of documents is not a passport to travel if the unit is visually battered.
“These are very small things yet very significant,” said Cuizon.
Cuizon told operators that they should remind their drivers to follow their rules as operators can also be held liable for violations committed by the drivers.
“The operator and the driver mao gyud ang ma-responsable ana. Of course mo ingon man gyud na ang operator nga wala man ko sa kiliran sa driver sa pagkahitabo ana kun nag-overload or overcharge siya, but in our book man gud the operator will always be equally liable for the mistake of his driver,” Cuizon said.
“Why? Because the operator is supposed to exercise the due diligence of a father. Sa atoa pa napakyas siya sa pag edukar, pagpahibalo, sa pag-giya sa iyahang mga driver kun unsa ang mga saktong bulohaton,” he explained.
Cuizon said that they will continue conducting inspections at CSBT until Friday to make sure that all running vehicles/ buses follow proper rules and road regulations.
Cuizon said that Cebu has enough buses and the number of passengers going their respective provinces will be divided since October 26, 30 and 31 have been declared as special holidays.
"Yes, we have enough buses. Kay daghan ta og holidays. So, ang katawhan mag-ulhos-ulhos na og biyahe. Dili gyud na ingon nga maghuot ang atong terminal," said Cuizon.
Meanwhile, CSBT administrator Joey Herrera said that a help desk has been set up near hi office where officers from LTFRB will be stationed to monitor and supervise bus operators.
Moreover, the officers can directly issue a “special permit” if there will be a shortage of buses. The desk, will be operational until All Souls' Day.
Cuizon said that LTFRB has 20 personnel who will be assigned in Cebu City's north and south bus terminals.
Today, the LTFRB-7 and LTO-7 are scheduled to inspect buses at the North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City still for the Oplan Ayos Biyahe 2017.