Bus firm involved in NLEX mishap suspended

Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday approved the suspension of a bus company whose vehicle was involved in a road accident along the North Luzon Expressway in Valenzuela City last Monday night.

Dizon confirmed the decision in a brief interview at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

Initial reports identified the suspended firm as Draven Bus Company, which operates the Manila-Pampanga route.

On Monday night, one of the company’s buses reportedly changed lanes abruptly and struck a closed van and a dump truck.

A passenger told reporters the bus, en route from Bulacan to Monumento, was speeding at the time of the collision. Two of the 40 passengers sustained injuries.

Meantime, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Tuesday it would issue a show cause order to Draven Bus Company.

“In line with the directive of Secretary Vince Dizon, a show cause order will be issued to the bus company involved in last night’s accident,” LTFRB spokesperson Atty. Ariel Inton said in a radio interview.

Inton added that the LTFRB is checking for any prior incidents involving the bus.

He reminded the public that passengers of public transport vehicles are covered by personal accident insurance in case of an accident, with hospital expenses typically covered by the vehicle’s insurance.

Inton also advised injured passengers to seek medical attention to ensure their claims are processed.

However, Inton cautioned against riding unregistered or “colorum” vehicles, as they lack insurance coverage and their drivers may not be properly vetted.

In a separate statement, LTFRB chairperson Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III ordered a full crackdown on reckless public utility drivers.

The LTFRB said it is coordinating with the Land Transportation Office the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and local government units to hold traffic violators accountable.