LTFRB warns bus terminal operators on safety standards

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned bus terminal operators Thursday to ensure facilities comply with basic safety standards as thousands of passengers head to transportation hubs for the annual All Saints’ Day holiday exodus.

LTFRB personnel were deployed to inspect bus terminals nationwide in coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which is conducting random drug tests on drivers and conductors.

“It is the obligation of the bus operators to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers,” acting LTFRB chairperson Greg G. Pua Jr. said Thursday, citing that peak passenger arrivals at terminals are expected Friday.

“This is not only about the conditions set in the authority to operate, it is also about debt of gratitude because their passengers are the lifeline of their operation,” he added.

Pua reminded operators of LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2017-030, which mandates basic passenger amenities and imposes fines of P5,000 per day for each violation.

Regional offices were directed to replicate surprise inspections across all provinces through the holiday weekend.

Separately, the Department of Health (DoH) placed Metro Manila under a Code White Alert from 31 October through 2 November to prepare for potential medical emergencies during the observance of Undas.

Under the alert status, Health Emergency Response Teams across 17 local government units and hospitals in the National Capital Region will remain on standby. The DoH operations center will maintain active monitoring for immediate incident reporting throughout the metropolis.

Health officials reminded travelers visiting cemeteries to carry adequate drinking water to prevent heat-related dehydration and maintain schedules for daily maintenance medications.