LFTRB checks buses for Lenten, summer season

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occ. — Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Director Romulo Bernades recently inspected public utility buses and mini buses at the Vallacar Transit- owned North and South terminals in preparation for the coming Lenten season and summer holidays.

Bernades was in the company of his Bacolod LTFRB team under Arturo Gepes, and the Association of United Taxi Operators of Negros (AUTON) led by its President, Fernando Latayan.

The LTFRB regional head said, “This is part of our routine inspection of public utility buses and vehicles. We need to prepare for the influx of passengers during the Holy Week in line with our program “Ligtas Byahe,” which concerns road safety, and the safety of passengers and pedestrians.”

The agency is also targeting the operations of illegal colorum vehicles, with no permi to operate, “Our target is to eliminate them from our roads,” he said.

The inspection was bolstered by a ruling from the Court of Appeals favor- ing the modernization program of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) under which, 15 year old buses will be phased out.

Also inspected by the LTFRB team were garage and terminals to see if these conform with DOTC standards. “If we can inspect practically all units from the franchise to the engines, we will do it as part of our job. We are happy that we have additional personnel who can help us hasten our inspection,” he said.

He further said that double tire mini buses will no longer be allowed to operate by next year.