Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday issued a stern warning to four bus companies operating makeshift terminals along EDSA Malibay, Pasay City, saying they face possible sanctions for failing to provide proper facilities for passengers.
Dizon identified the companies as Philtranco, Mega Bus, Ten Ten, and RMB, whose unauthorized terminals lack basic amenities such as chairs, comfort rooms, roofing, and ventilation.
“We already have PITX, so why do we still have setups like this? This isn’t even a real terminal. There are no seats, just tarpaulins, no restrooms. These passengers are paying regular fares — they’re not getting any discounts. This is unacceptable. I’ve instructed the LTFRB to study and impose every possible penalty and sanction on these kinds of bus companies,” said Sec. Dizon in Filipino after inspecting the so-called terminals of the four bus companies.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the bus operators will be summoned by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), with Dizon directing the agency to study all applicable penalties against them.
The transport chief emphasized that terminals should meet minimum standards for passenger safety and comfort, pointing to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) as the proper model.
“They are truly stripping our countrymen of their dignity with setups like this,” Sec. Dizon pointed out.
DOTr said it will coordinate with the LTFRB, Land Transportation Office, Metro Manila Development Authority, and the Philippine National Police to crack down on operators running substandard or unauthorized terminals.