THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the guidance of DOTr Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez, has suspended for 30 days the operation of passenger bus company over a road crash on EDSA Busway in Quezon City.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said the suspension order covers 18 units owned by Baclaran Metrolink Bus.
In the SCO, Chairman Vigor said the owner and operator of the Baclaran Metrolink Bus was also instructed to include the explanation of their driver as to why he should not be penalized over the incident.
“In the spirit of fairness and due process, we are giving the bus company and the driver the opportunity to explain. We already gave them the notice and we are expecting compliance in the soonest possible time,” said Chairman Vigor.
The incident happened at around 5:15 p.m. at the southbound lane of the Kamuning Bus Station.
Based on the testimony of the driver to the police, it appeared to be a case of miscalculation as the bus crashed on the right side of the barrier while he was looking at the left side mirror.
As a result, the bus conductor was pinned against the bus and the barrier and it took time before he was rescued. The incident also affected the smooth flow of traffic in the area until the road was cleared at 7:00P P.M.
A total of 12 concrete barriers and a plastic barrier were damaged as a result of the road crash.
“We will determine at the course of the investigation the mental and physical fitness of the driver as well as the road worthiness of the bus,” said Chairman Vigor.
The driver was tasked to undergo a drug test and road safety seminars. The bus firm, on the other hand, was tasked to surrender the license plate of the involved unit five days after the receipt of the SCO.
The hearing for the case is set on May 28 and Chairman Vigor said failure to attend or comply would result in the fine of P5,000
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