Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Sunday ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to penalize bus companies that do not comply with proper terminal standards.
This was after Lopez inspected eight bus terminals in Cubao in preparation for Undas, or All Souls’ and All Saints’ Days, and found four bus terminals with facilities or vehicles non-compliant with road safety and terminal standards.
‘We can’t be selfish, and we should give back to the passengers. They all pay the same. Otherwise, it’s unfair to them that they get short-changed,’ Lopez said as quoted in a statement.
With this, Lopez reiterated that bus terminals must have proper seating, ventilation, maintained restrooms – including all-gender restrooms, comfortable rest areas for drivers, and clean diaper changing areas and lactation rooms.
Upon inspection, Lopez found that Jam Liner had a bus lined up to go on the road despite having worn out tires, while Dagupan Bus Co. had no proper facilities for commuters.
Meanwhile, DLTB Bus Co. had an expired business permit from January 2024. Lopez warned that the bus company may be shut down if the permit is not renewed.
Lopez also saw that Super Lines Bus Co. had no proper seating for passengers.
On the other hand, Lopez commended Victory Liner, Inc., Viron Transit and Alps Bus Co. for their respective terminal facilities.
Victory Liner had steps going into the buses for the comfort of senior passengers, and people with disabilities, which Lopez then asked other buses to procure.