DoTr cancels bus firm’s franchise over use of illegal Pasay terminal

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) has permanently revoked the franchise of Elavil Bus Company after it was caught operating from an illegal terminal in Pasay City—despite a prior cease-and-desist order issued by former Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez made the decision during a surprise inspection of transport hubs in preparation for the Undas rush, when thousands of Filipinos are expected to travel to their home provinces.

“This company has repeatedly violated government orders. When a terminal is illegal, there’s no way for the government to verify the roadworthiness of the vehicles there. These buses can already be considered colorum,” Lopez said in Filipino.

Lopez personally caught Elavil buses still operating from the unlicensed terminal, located on a vacant lot in Pasay, and immediately ordered the franchise’s cancellation. Three buses were also impounded on-site, while the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) was directed to issue a show cause order against the operator.

Passengers of Elavil present at the scene were given full ticket refunds and were assisted in transferring to authorized terminals to continue their trips safely.

The crackdown forms part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure commuter safety and orderliness during the peak travel period.

Aside from Elavil, Lopez inspected several other bus operators, including JVH Transport and JRV Pamar Line Inc., where he noted the lack of all-gender restrooms. At Baclaran Metrolink Bus Corp., the transport chief observed poor facilities such as inadequate ventilation, no drivers’ rest area, and the absence of posted fare matrices. He also instructed the firm to improve its lactation room to provide privacy for mothers.

At the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Lopez pointed out weak air conditioning but was assured by management that the issue would be resolved promptly.

“There are terminals that comply with our standards, and operators must understand that when they charge fares, those costs include maintaining proper facilities,” Lopez said.

To handle the expected surge of passengers, the DoTr has ordered the LTFRB to issue special permits to select bus companies and is forming a steering committee to monitor terminals regularly.

Additional personnel from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), LTFRB, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) will also be deployed to ensure security and smooth operations throughout the holiday period.