MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued Show Cause Orders (SCOs) and notices to comply to 29 additional operators of bus and public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals nationwide for failing to meet passenger safety and comfort standards.
The latest actions were taken as part of the LTFRB’s continuing inspection of transportation facilities, which aims to ensure the welfare of commuters, the agency reported.
LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said the intensified inspections are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen commuter protection and improve public transport facilities.
“The regular inspection of bus and PUV terminals will now be the new normal,” Mendoza said, warning operators that failure to comply with regulations could result in penalties or closure.
According to the LTFRB, regional offices began deploying inspection teams last week to conduct random and surprise checks in their respective areas of responsibility. Of the 155 bus and PUV terminals inspected nationwide so far, 87 were found to be non-compliant with existing regulations.
Inspectors focused on the availability and condition of key facilities, including adequately sheltered waiting areas, clean and functional comfort rooms, accessibility features for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, fire extinguishers, closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, and properly designed entry and exit points.
Most of the terminals issued with notices and orders were located in Region 10, with 20 terminals flagged, followed by Metro Manila with 13 and Calabarzon with 12.
Mendoza said all LTFRB regional directors have been directed to submit compliance reports and to sustain inspection efforts until terminal operators fully meet regulatory standards.
The LTFRB warned it would not hesitate to suspend or shut down terminals whose operators continue to ignore safety and comfort requirements. Just last week, a bus terminal in Iloilo was ordered closed after the agency found gross violations of passenger safety regulations.
The ongoing inspections are also meant to complement a planned policy that would prevent run-down public utility vehicles from renewing their franchises, the LTFRB added.