Land Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza II has ordered all regional directors and district office heads to intensify the inspection of passenger utility buses in their terminals amid the influx of passengers for the Christmas season.
Mendoza said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista wanted to ensure the safety of commuters, travellers, and all road users in anticipation of a surge in the volume of vehicles for the Yuletide season.
The inspection was necessary to prevent fatal road accidents similar to the Antique mishap where several passengers died when their bus plunged into a ravine.
“I am expecting a regular conduct of inspection on all passenger buses leaving their respective bus terminals. We have to do this because what is at stake is the life and limb of the passengers who just want to reach their destination safely,” the LTO chief emphasized.
He also directed the regional directors and heads of offices to ensure the mental and physical condition of the drivers to avoid road mishaps caused by drivers falling asleep, especially during a long trip.
Part of this measure is the conduct of surprise and mandatory drug tests.
Mendoza said such inspections must be done on a regular basis, and not only during long weekends and breaks when exodus of people is expected.
Since Christmas break is already being implemented in several schools, the LTO expects more passengers to troop to bus terminals starting today, Dec. 15, Mendoza said.