Public transport to be tested for ‘road worthiness’
AFTER the recent mishap between two buses on Edsa that resulted in 19 injuries, the Department of Transportation will be inspecting the road worthiness of all public buses and monitor their drivers.
Transportation Undersecretary Tim Orbos, who heads the Roads and Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (IAct), said the IAct and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) would be doing the rounds of all BMDS terminals starting on Friday.
Orbos said the collision between the Joyselle Bus and another PUB happened after the Joyselle bus allegedly lost its brakes.
“Road-unworthy PUVs don’t have a place in our streets and major thoroughfares. We don’t want another road mishap caused by broken parts or lost brakes which can be avoided if the vehicle is maintained properly,” Orbos said.
Body (appearance), engine, lights, brakes, tires, horn, battery, and smoke emission are some of the items included in the roadworthiness test.
MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said that the joint inspection in all BMDS terminals would be very helpful and would ensure the safety of passengers as PUBs carry the most number of passengers per unit among any other PUVs.
“Buses carry passengers ranging from 48 to 60 which make them the most risky public transport vehicle. A single accident can produce a huge number of injuries, or worst, fatalities,” Lim said.
MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said the inspection would minimize the effects of heavy traffic caused by road accidents.
“Any road accident automatically results to heavy traffic because lanes will be occupied and vehicles involved become a road obstruction,” Garcia said.
Failure to pass the roadworthiness test would mean that the affected PUBs won’t be allowed to travel and their franchises cancelled until they have complied with the requirements. JAMES GALVEZ
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