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Mendoza orders intensified bus inspections for Christmas exodus

Philippines | National

Mendoza orders intensified bus inspections for Christmas exodus

By Aaron Recuenco

Officials of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) across the country were ordered to intensify the conduct of inspection of all passenger buses to ensure their road worthiness amid the expected influx of passengers for the Christmas break.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the inspection covers all provincial buses, including those that would be given special permits, adding that the road worthiness inspections should be done before the buses leave their respective terminals.

What they are trying to prevent, according to Mendoza, are fatal road accidents similar to what happened in Antique where more than 15 people died when a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine recently.

“I am expecting a regular conduct of inspection on all passenger buses leaving their respective bus terminals. We have to do this because what is at stake is the life and limb of the passengers who just want to reach their destination safely,” said Mendoza.

He directed all LTO officials to do the same on a regular basis—and not only during long weekends and breaks when exodus of people is expected.

Aside from bus inspection, Mendoza also directed all Regional Directors and District Office heads to ensure the mental and physical condition of the drivers amid cases in the past wherein accidents were caused by drivers falling asleep especially during a long trip.

Part of this measure is the conduct of surprise and mandatory drug tests

Mendoza said that since Christmas break is already being implemented in some schools, they expect more passengers to troop to bus terminals starting Friday, Dec. 15.

Mendoza earlier ordered all Regional Directors and District Office heads to start the preparations for road safety and assistance in time for the Christmas break.

Related Tags

road safety Land Transportation Office Vigor Mendoza II

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