LTFRB: Limiting bus speeds eyed even before Skyway tragedy

MANILA, Philippines -  The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has long considered the mandatory installation of speed regulators, dismissing criticisms that the agency is only responding after a major accident.

LTFRB Executive Director Roberto Cabrera said that even before the deadly plunge of the Don Mariano Transit bus from the elevated Skyway on Monday, the agency has been in talks with suppliers of speed-limiting devices since earlier this year.

"We have been communicating with manufacturers of the speed limiters since June of this year," Cabrera told a state news agency.

The liner, reportedly speeding, skidded along the railing of the expressway in Parañaque and plunged onto a closed van below, automatically killing 18 passengers and injuring others.

Urged by a lawmaker to require  to require bus operators to install speed limiters following the incident, the agency said it is now seriously considering the policy, even elevating it as the agency's "top priority."

"The last accident involving Don Mariano is very unfortunate but this has strengthened the LTFRB’s resolve to impose stricter policies with the stakeholders, especially on the speed limit of the city buses," he said.

"It is now the top priority of the agency to limit the running speeds of these buses as well as the overall road worthiness of these vehicles," Cabrera added.

The LTFRB immediately imposed a 30-day preventive suspension on the entire fleet of Don Mariano Transit after the accident.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez had said that authorities could opt to terminate the franchise of the transportation firm given its history of recklessness and accidents.

Cabrera, meanwhile, also urged bus companies to carefully screen their employees as lives are put in the line by reckless and greedy drivers.

"This accident could have been prevented by the operator’s lookout on their employees and equipment. The failure of it to supervise its personnel and equipment will mete it consequences at par to the effects of its negligence," Cabrera said.