DOTR CHIEF ISSUES 30-DAY ULTIMATUM TO BUS COMPANIES TO ENSURE PASSENGER-FRIENDLY TERMINALS

FOLLOWING President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s orders to prioritize the welfare of passengers, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday reminded bus companies they only have 30 days left to ensure passenger-friendly terminals or else face sanctions.

President Marcos had instructed the DOTr and concerned agencies to ensure the safety and convenience of passengers.

“They have, I think, 30 more days to comply. At kapag hindi sila nag-comply, sabi po natin sa kanila ay pasensiyahan po tayo,” Dizon said in a Palace press briefing.

“Ipapasara po natin iyong mga terminals na iyon at baka may iba pang sanctions na i-impose doon sa mga bus companies na iyon,” he added.

Dizon said he will lead DOTr officials in inspecting the bus terminals after the deadline expires.

Following the President’s directive last month to see to the convenience of passengers during the Holy Week season, Dizon himself inspected bus terminals and found a handful of them did not even have the minimum required facilities for passengers.

Dizon admitted he was annoyed by a makeshift terminal in Pasay City and quickly ordered its closure.

“Medyo ikinagalit natin nang kaunti iyon. Sarado na po ito. This has already been closed. Hindi na po iyan nagagamit. Ipinagbawal na po ng LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) iyan na gamitin and today, it is closed,” Dizon said.

The DOTr said bus terminals must have restrooms, communication facilities, priority lanes for senior citizens and persons with disability, land transport security plan, resting area with adequate ventilation and lighting, online ticketing, and dispatching facilities for passengers.