LTFRB issues show cause orders vs four bus firms over substandard terminals

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday issued show cause orders (SCOs) against four bus companies over reports of poorly maintained passenger terminals.

LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the companies were issued SCOs following surprise inspections conducted by the agency at various bus terminals in Quezon City.

“This is proof that we are serious when we said that we will run after those that do not comply with the basic standards on what bus terminals and public transportation must be,” Mendoza said.

The companies issued SCOs were Belleza Transport Corporation and Mega Bus Lines Corp., both operating terminals in Cubao; Eaglestar Transit Corporation; and Elavil Phils Tours Inc.

According to the LTFRB, the companies committed at least 10 violations of rules and regulations governing the maintenance of passenger terminals. Among the common violations cited were insufficient roofing to protect passengers from sun and rain; lack of decent and separate comfort rooms for men, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs); inadequate security measures such as the absence of CCTV cameras and baggage inspections; and the non-availability of PWD ramps.

In four separate SCOs, the bus companies were ordered to explain in writing why the Certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs) issued to them, which authorize them to operate public transportation services, should not be revoked.

“The issuance of the SCOs against four bus companies is just the beginning. Filipino commuters should expect daily monitoring and quick action from the LTFRB in the interest of their right to safe and comfortable travel,” Mendoza said.

The first consolidated hearing for the four bus companies is scheduled on February 11.

The LTFRB earlier vowed to crack down on illegal terminals, noting that in most cases these are home to colorum vehicles and are a major source of corruption on the ground.

Mendoza said the move would reinforce the agency’s efforts to craft a new policy aimed at preventing the renewal of run-down public utility vehicles.

The LTFRB urged bus companies, transport groups, and cooperatives to “shape up” by ensuring that the passenger terminals they supervise and maintain fully comply with existing rules and regulations.