Some 57 terminal operators of passenger buses have been summoned and issued notices of violations, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Friday.
“We in the LTFRB need to step up and assert our mandate to safeguard passenger safety and ensure commuter convenience,” agency chief Vigor Mendoza II said.
During the first wave of the random and surprise inspections nationwide, Mendoza said a total of 135 bus and PUV terminals were inspected.
Majority of them were found to be noncompliant with the rules and regulations of operating terminals, he said.
The inspections do not only cover bus terminals but also UV Express and jeepney terminals, Mendoza added.
From Northern Luzon to Mindanao, LTFRB personnel were deployed to conduct inspections of the PUV terminals to ensure transportation companies and groups are compliant with agency regulations in maintaining and supervising PUV terminals, he said.
“The LTFRB is not demanding high-end bus and PUV terminals, what we are demanding is the compliance to the rules and regulations that enumerates the basic facilities on comfort and safety of the passengers,” Mendoza said.
The inspections stemmed from mounting complaints and observations about dilapidated PUV terminals not only in Metro Manila but also in the provinces.
“This should serve as a warning, a strong message to the operators of PUV terminals to comply with the requirements prescribed by the LTFRB. Otherwise, pasensyahan na lang tayo,” the LTFRB chief said.
