Gov’t agencies inspect Araneta Bus Terminal prior to Thursday’s influx of passengers
Several government agencies conducted rounds and random checks at the Araneta Bus terminal in Quezon City on Wednesday (October 30).
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started early at 5 in the morning with its spokesperson, Celine Pialago, leading the breath analyzer testing on provincial bus drivers to ensure that they are not under the influence of alcohol.
The randomly selected 13 drivers were tested negative of alcohol test based on the breath analyzer equipment used.
“Well, ‘pag nag-positive po y’ong driver sa alhocol content, iho-hold po siya ng Araneta Center at kailangan po siyang papahingahin at papapalitan po ng driver para po tuluyang makabyahe y’ong unit po ng nasabing bus,” Pialago said.
The Land Transportation Officer (LTO), on the other hand, inspected the lights and the condition of the tires and brakes of passenger buses.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), meanwhile, checked the roadworthiness of the bus units.
LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said passenger buses must have security and dash cameras installed on their units: otherwise, the operators shall be meted out with P5,000 fine.
They also urge passengers to immediately call out the drivers when they notice or encounter problems while on their trip.
“I have reminded them na kung mag-o-overspeeding y’ong driver o kaya hindi maayos y’ong pagda-drive, sabi ko sa mga pasahero, sila na mismo ang sisita sa driver. Sila na mismo kasi they are there on the road in the bus while they are traveling,” the LTFRB chief said.
The Movie and Television Review and Regulatory Board (MTRCB) also conducted an inspection of the kind of movies being shown inside the buses.
MTRCB chairperson Maria Rachel Arenas said that only films or programs with PG rating or are suitable for children must be played inside the bus.
Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT), and the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) are doing rounds in the centers of public conveyance.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is also on 24-hour standby starting on Tuesday (October 29) until Monday (November 4).
As more people are expected to travel on Thursday (October 31), bus terminal authorities warn the public against bringing prohibited materials such as bladed weapons, flammable items, and alcoholic drinks. (from the report of Asher Cadapan, Jr.) /mbmf