Following Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon’s order to ground all buses of Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc. (PSNTI), the company announced that it has temporarily suspended all operations.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, the bus company explained, “Unless otherwise notified, all PSNTI trips are temporarily suspended. Affected customers may request cancellations or other services as needed.”

The company also expressed its sympathy for those affected by the tragic incident, saying, “As a bus operator, we always aim to provide the best service for our passengers. Unfortunately, some factors beyond our control can lead to tragic outcomes. We take full responsibility for this incident and understand its gravity.”

The deadly multi-vehicle collision that occurred on Labor Day at the Tarlac Exit of the SCTEx involved a Solid North bus, an 18-wheel truck, a van and an SUV.

The crash resulted in 12 fatalities, including six children, and left more than 20 people injured. The victims were passengers in the van, which was crushed when the bus collided with it.

Earlier, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had suspended 15 units of Dagupan Bus Co. for 30 days in relation to the incident. It’s worth noting that Dagupan Bus Co. was acquired by JAC Liner Inc., which now operates Solid North as a subsidiary.

Concerns raised over bus suspension

While the suspension of 270 Solid North buses is aimed at addressing safety concerns, some industry insiders worry it may create new problems. A source from the Provincial Bus Operators Association (PBOA) told DAILY TRIBUNE on Saturday that halting the buses would likely lead to more “colorum” (illegal) bus companies operating in North Luzon.

“This could just lead to a whole new set of issues,” the source said. “The LTFRB had no choice but to suspend the entire fleet of Solid North, including buses serving other routes.”

Additionally, the PBOA representative pointed out that the suspension not only disrupts the travel plans of thousands of passengers, especially with the May 12 elections approaching, but it also impacts the livelihoods of the company’s employees.

The suspension order has already been issued to JAC Liner, the parent company of Solid North.

Insurance payouts: A tough reality for victims’ families

A separate source, speaking to Daily Tribune, explained that while the Department of Transportation (DoTr) requires a P400,000 insurance payout for each fatality, there’s a complication for some of the victims. Eight of those who died were passengers in the van involved in the crash, which wasn’t registered under the Passenger Accident Management and Insurance Agency.

“Technically, these passengers aren’t covered under the standard P400,000 compensation,” the source said. “Instead, they may only qualify for Third Party Liability coverage, which would amount to just P200,000 total. For some, that’s just P20,000 each — barely enough for a coffin.”

On Friday, the LTFRB confirmed that the families of the victims are entitled to the P400,000 indemnity, but the payout complications remain a concern.

Criminal charges loom for bus driver and company

Dizon also announced that criminal charges, including reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, injuries, and property damage, will be filed against the Solid North bus driver involved in the crash. The company itself will face separate charges as well.