MMDA tests bus drivers, conductors for alcohol

MANILA, Philippines — To ensure the safety of commuters heading out to the provinces this Holy Week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday conducted a surprise random testing on passenger bus drivers and conductors at the Araneta Center bus terminal in Cubao.

"We want to ensure the safety of the passengers going to the provinces for the Holy Week break by ensuring that their drivers have no trace under the influence of alcohol while driving," said MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino.

The MMDA tested 10 drivers and 10 conductors for alcohol using breath analyzers.

Those tested in Cubao were found negative for alcohol use during the random test, the MMDA said.

Tolentino bus drivers who test positive for alcohol intake will not be allowed to drive their vehicles out of the terminals.

The MMDA will conduct similar random tests for alcohol use on bus drivers and conductors at the provincial bus terminals in Pasay City and at the Southwest bus terminal in Paranaque.

Tolentino has also ordered the strict enforcement of the "nose-in and nose-out policy" of parking buses at the bus terminals to make sure that buses leaving or entering the terminals would not block passing traffic.

Tolentino reminded drivers of provincial buses they are prohibited from picking-up passengers along EDSA.