Davao authorities test buses for roadworthiness

AUTHORITIES on Wednesday, April 12, inspected buses for roadworthiness to guarantee the safety and comfort of passengers during the observance of Holy Week.

Aiza Yusoph, manager of Davao City Overland Transport Terminal, said various law enforcement groups have consolidated their efforts not just to inspect the buses but to raise awareness on the importance of road worthiness of passenger vehicles.

Among the agencies who were present during the inspection were the Davao City Police Office, Task Force Davao, Public Safety and Security Command Center, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Central 911.

The inspection covered fare rates to ensure that no bus operator is taking advantage of the demand for transport this week and to ensure that buses are not overloading.

Flyers on safe driving were also given out to drivers.

With the new guideline of LTFRB that limit the drivers’ maximum number of hours on the road to just six hours, Yusoph said that for buses servicing the region, only the Rural Bus going to Cagayan de Oro and Bachelor Express travelling to Surigao and Butuan are affected as these trips take more than six hours.

Both bus companies have adopted a system that relieves drivers along the way.

Yusoph said, meanwhile, the management of Land Car Inc., Yellow Bus, and Metro Shuttle have announced that they will not have trips on April 14, Good Friday.