LTFRB fines 7 bus firms

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has fined seven bus firms for various violations found during random inspections of their garages, an official said yesterday.

“Our campaign continues against bus firms that violate safety measures and rules set by the government to protect commuters,” LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said.

According to the board, the inspection teams have been conducting physical inventory and roadworthiness inspections since December last year in line with its aim of modernizing road transport industry and ensuring that only buses that meet the government’s safety road regulations are allowed to run on national roads.

Among the bus companies inspected by the teams were Pascual Liner, Safeway Bus Lines Inc., Nova Auto Trans, Superlines Transport Co. Inc., Unicab Trans, Princess Youhan, and RRCG.

Pascual Liner had the most number of violations like the illegal transfer of engine, no PWD (person with disability) and smoking signs, and no body markings. Its assessed fines amounted to P1.42 million.

Superlines was also fined P804,000 for the same violations.

Unicab Trans was assessed P524,000 in fines for expired advertisement permit, incomplete body markings and failure to display a fare guide.

Princess Youhan was fined P32,000 for various violations.

 RRCG was assessed P154,000 in fines for incomplete body markings, broken windshield and tail lights, no fare matrix and illegal transfer of engine.

Ginez said these bus companies need to pay their respective fines as soon as possible or they will not be allowed by the board to apply for the renewal of their certificates of public conveyance, dropping and substitution of their franchises and other transactions.