The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned bus and transport operators of possible legal action following passenger complaints about poor terminal and station facilities.
LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza reminded operators of an existing memorandum that outlines standards for terminals, emphasizing the need to prioritize passenger comfort and safety.
He was referring to the LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2017-030 specifying the minimum requirements for the maintenance of bus terminals and transport stations, among them is the sufficient roofing to protect passengers from the heat and the sun; ramps for persons with disabilities (PWDs); and, priority lanes for senior citizens, pregnant women and PWDs.
The same Circular also pointed out the need to have sufficient security that includes security guards and CCTVs; and, clean and accessible restrooms for everybody, particularly for PWDs.
“We already have an existing guideline, what needs to be done is to ensure that this is strictly implemented and observed by transport terminals at all times to ensure passenger safety and convenience,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza’s warning came as he started conducting inspections on bus terminals as part of the preparations for the influx of millions of passengers for the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on Nov. 1 and 2.
“Any violation of this guideline will be treated as a franchise violation,” he warned.
The penalty for violation of the Circular is up to P5,000 per day and per violation.
In the conduct of inspections, Mendoza reminded LTFRB officials to focus on the cleanliness of the comfort rooms and the convenience of passengers waiting for their turn to board the buses.
He said station and terminal managers should immediately address the usual complaints of the passengers of dirty and dilapidated facilities, particularly the waiting areas and comfort rooms.
Aside from the facilities, Mendoza also assured that all buses and other public transport vehicles are safe—from the vehicles to the drivers and conductors— to ensure that passengers will go to their destinations safe and comfortable. (Aaron Recuenco)
