A surprise inspection was conducted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on public utility buses and mini buses at the north and south bus terminals of Vallacar Transit and mini buses at the public north and south terminals yesterday in Bacolod City.

LTFRB Regional Director Romulo Bernades said yesterday that the inspection is part of their “Ligtas Byahe” program, and concerns road safety, and the safety of passengers and pedestrians.

They plan to inspect all bus units of franchises, as well as their engines in preparation for the influx of passengers during the holy week and summer holiday, he said.

Bernades said they also inspected double tire mini buses, that will no longer be allowed to operate next year and have focused on buses because they travel long distance and they need to ensure their compliance with the requirements of the LTFRB, the safety of the passengers, and their road worthiness.

They want to ensure that these vehicles have proper documentation and also to eliminate illegal operation of colorum vehicles that have no permit to operate, he said.

The team also inspected garages and terminals to ensure that they conform with the standards of the Department of Transportation and Communication.

Bernades led the inspection team that was composed of the Bacolod LTFRB team headed by Arturo Gepes, Association of United Taxi Operators of Negros led by its president Fernando Latayan, and Roberto Sibugan.

Bernades also required public utility buses like Ceres Liner to post fare matrix conspicuously inside their units or they will be meted a fine of P5,000 per bus.

Vallacar Transit media relations officer Jesidith Marquez Seballos said the company complies with the requirements of LTFRB and other agencies of government.

The fare matrix applications of Ceres Liner is already being processed and due for release by LTFRB, she said.*CGS

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