By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered all regional directors (RDs) to start conducting inspections on all bus and other transport terminals in preparation for the influx of passengers for the All Saints and All Souls Days on Nov. 1 and 2.
LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said that all bus companies and transport operators were also instructed to make sure that their respective terminals and stations are safe and comfortable for their passengers.
“Tapusin na natin yung nakagawian na parang utang na loob pa ng mga pasahero na sumakay sa mga bus at mga pampublikong sasakyan. Your passengers are your lifeline in business, respect them with clean, presentable and comfortable waiting areas,” Chairman Mendoza said.
“We will also make sure 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,” Mendoza added.
In his instruction to RDs and bus stations and other transport companies, he specifically cited the need to ensure the cleanliness of comfort rooms (CRs).
“In particular, CRs must be functioning properly, well lighted and well ventilated at no cost or minimal cost to passengers,” Mendoza said.
He said that comfortable and convenient waiting areas for passengers is also a must in line with the LTFRB requirements.
“Under our watch, this will be a regular thing. Hindi lang pang undas, pasko o semana santa. We will require random checking at least every month of the year,” Mendoza said.
The LTFRB Chairman also stressed the need for transport companies and transport terminal managers to ensure that the booking process for passengers is comfortable for all passengers.
“Nakikiusap din tayo sa mga bus companies na i-remind ang kanilang mga empleyado na huwag magsusungit sa mga pasahero. Titiyakin natin na susundin nila ito,” Mendoza said.
To ensure compliance, he said that they will be deploying mystery passengers nationwide to check on the condition of bus stations and transport terminals starting Oct. 24. ###
