LTFRB suspends bus for ramming EDSA barriers

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended for 30 days the operation of a passenger bus that crashed into the concrete and plastic barriers of the EDSA busway in Quezon City.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said a show-cause order was issued against Partas Transportation Co. Inc., owner of the bus that figured in a road crash on Sunday.

“In this case, we will be looking at either employment of reckless drivers or the workload of the drivers. We want to know all the details and this will come out during the course of the investigation,” Mendoza said.

Based on initial reports, the bus was traveling from the EDSA-Quezon Avenue flyover and heading toward Timog Avenue when the accident occurred.

According to authorities, the driver allegedly fell asleep, causing the road crash.

Mendoza said the incident is a violation of the existing rules on safe public transportation and falls under the reckless driving category.

In the show-cause order, the bus company was asked to explain within three days why its franchise should not be canceled or suspended.

The LTFRB set the hearing on Aug. 6. The bus operator was ordered to have the involved driver undergo a road safety seminar and drug test.

The LTFRB also directed the bus firm to submit documents relating to the roadworthiness of the involved unit and surrender the vehicle’s license plate.

Mendoza said the bus operator would be required to pay for the damaged government property.