After ridding Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares of colorum and out-of-line vehicles, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is eyeing making legitimate bus drivers and conductors wear proper uniforms and be courteous in dealing with commuters.
MMDA executive director Angelito Vergel de Dios said bus drivers and conductors owe it to their patrons.
“There are rules and guidelines,” he told The STAR, noting that even bus conductors have licenses, which means that they have to follow certain rules and guidelines.
Vergel de Dios said the proper attire should be polo shirts or shirts with collars, which should also bear the name and logo of the company they work for.” He warned that MMDA traffic personnel can actually cite them for dress code violations.
Though the rules are admittedly vague, Vergel de Dios said bus drivers and conductors should be conscious of how they present themselves to their riders.
Some commuters interviewed by The STAR said they prefer riding buses with good air-conditioning, neat seats, and friendly conductors.
According to them, there are some new buses plying Metro Manila’s main roads like EDSA that make you feel like you are riding an airplane, with clean seats and floors.
Vergel de Dios said bus conductors who jump out of their buses too frequently to call for passengers like barkers can also be fined since they usually overstay in loading and unloading areas.
“There is a specific time allowed for a bus to pick up passengers in a loading bay depending on the area,” he said. – Michael Punongbayan