LTFRB grounds 16 units of bus firm over QC mishap

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board  has suspended the operation of the 16 units of a bus firm after one of its vehicles figured in an accident last week in Quezon City, injuring several persons.

The Board issued a 30-day preventive suspension on the units of Corimba Express Inc., whose unit hit a passenger jeepney while speeding along Commonwealth Avenue last Apr. 4 around 7:45 a.m.

Reports said that the bus (TYW-381) rammed the rear left portion of a passenger jeep along Commonwealth Ave, northbound lane in front of the Commission of Human Rights in Brgy. San Vicente, Quezon City.

The impact of the collision resulted in the passenger jeepney turning turtle, injuring six persons.

"The Board will never tolerate reckless driving behavior, kaya agad naming pinapatawan nga suspension order and recalling all units of Corimba Express Inc. from operating along our national roads," LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said.

The 16 units of the bus company have been plying the Baclaran-SM Fairview route, via EDSA Quezon Ave and vice versa.

"We will not hesitate to recall the entire fleet of any bus company even if just one of their units is involved in a road accident," Ginez added.

Within 30 days, the bus company must bring all their units to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Service of the Land Transportation Office for inspection and determination of their road worthiness before they are again allowed to operate.

The drivers of the units will also undergo Road Safety Seminar conducted by the Board or authorized training centers.

The bus company is given 72 hours to show cause in writing from the receipt of the order why their Certificate of Public Convenience should not be suspended or revoked for violation of the terms and conditions of its franchise.

A Corimba bus representative must also appear at the hearing of the case on Apr. 22 at the Board’s office.