LTFRB suspends bus firm over Batangas mishap

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended for 30 days Dimple Star Transport’s 18 buses after one of its vehicles figured in a road accident in Batangas.

The accident involving a bus (TYS-454) bound for Mindoro occurred on Oct. 30 along the STAR tollway in Barangay Maraway, Lipa City. The bus collided with a 10-wheeler truck, killing two persons, including the conductor, and injuring 49 passengers.

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said the 18 buses plying the Manila-San Jose, Mindoro Occidental route through Batangas, Calatagan, Roxas and back have also been grounded at their garage in Cabuyao, Laguna.

Ginez said the board is sending a team today to confiscate the license plates of the 18 buses.

The bus firm was ordered to bring all their buses within 30 days to the Land Transportation Office for inspection and determination of their roadworthiness before they will be again allowed to operate.

The drivers will be required to undergo a road safety seminar to be conducted by the board or any authorized training centers.

The bus company was given 72 hours to explain why it should not be imposed harsher sanctions and its representative is required to appear during an LTFRB hearing on Nov. 19.