2 consortiums failed to deploy enough EDSA buses – LTFRB

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday issued show-cause orders (SCOs) against two bus consortiums along the EDSA Busway for allegedly failing to deploy a sufficient number of buses.

The LTFRB ordered ES Transport and Partners and Mega Manila Corp. to explain why they should not be penalized and their special permits cancelled or suspended.

The transport regulator issued the SCOs after it observed long queues of commuters at EDSA Monumento in Caloocan City.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra explained that the agreed cap on the number of buses is at 550 units, but the two consortiums deployed only an average of 120 units last Monday.

“We have to call their attention and direct the two consortiums to explain the (low) employment of these units,” he said in a statement.

Delgra added there are “persistent reports” of drivers and conductors not being paid even if the consortiums already received payments under the government’s service contracting program.

Delgra reminded the two consortiums are responsible as there is an “employee-employer relationship” between parties and their contractual obligation as mandated by the Labor Code for the EDSA Busway Libreng Sakay Program.