BUS operators in Northern Mindanao have been directed to ensure that all the buses to be used this week are 100 percent road-worthy and compliant with established safety standards.
Aminoden Guro, Northern Mindanao regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), said the reminder is part of the Oplan Byaheng Ayos launched last week which promotes road safety of travelers during the Lenten season.
Guro said the LTFRB since last week has been conducting inspections of buses and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) with the aim of weeding out “colorum” vans.
"I already advised bus operators that they shouldn't allow their buses to go to terminals if wheels are deteriorating, broken windshields, not enough lights, and save themselves from the penalties. We should all adhere to road worthiness because we only want what's best for our passengers," he said.
"We are targeting that 100 percent of the buses traveling around the region are all road-worthy and safe for our travelers," Guro added.
Guro, however, noted that compared to other regions, almost all of the buses in Northern Mindanao are brand new and have speed limiters, GPS (global positioning system), and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
He said updating bus technology is part of the government's modernization program for the transportation sector.
"We urge passengers that before they go to terminals, may they have presence of mind and that they should program their travel and to travel lightly too," he said.
"We also advise them to only ride (in) registered vehicles, and not the colorum vans," he added.