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

The revenue operations including the passenger ridership and ticket sales of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) has declined in 2018, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).

Based on the COA report, this is due to the low number of trains used.

“With only an average of 13 out of the 24 train sets plying on the rail tracks, thereby heightening the discomfort of the riding public,” according to the report.

From over 140 million passengers recorded in 2017, it went down to 104 million in 2018. This dropped the MRT-3’s revenue to P2.07 billion from P2.78 billion.

COA reiterated the need for the MRT-3 to fix the train system.

Meanwhile, the MRT-3 is currently conducting rehabilitation for their train system which is set to be completed in 2020.

The UNTV News and Rescue asked the management of the MRT-3 for comment and is still awaiting their response.—AAC (with reports from Harlene Delgado)

Thousands of passengers bound for provinces are expected at the Araneta Center Bus Port in Cubao, Quezon City as the day of the midterm national and local elections approaches.

According to the bus port management, they are expecting the arrival of more than 8,000 passengers on Friday to secure tickets going to their respective provinces to cast their votes on May 13 (Monday) polls.

Passengers going to provinces for the election day are reminded to go to the terminal early and to travel light.

“Doon po sa mga hahabol pong pasahero mangyari lamang agahan na po nila ang pagpunta dito sa ating bus station at ganoon din sa ating bus port,” said Ramon Legazpi, Manager of Araneta Center Bus Station.

“Mangyari ay limitahan rin po nila iyong kanilang mga bagahe para hindi rin ito maging cause ng pagkakaantala ng biyahe ng mga bus,” he added.

Among the passengers who are trying to catch a ride home in time for the midterm polls is Evelyn Atazar. She is facing a 12-hour bus ride from Metro Manila to Masbate.

Although the travel towards home is long, bumpy and tiring, Atazar said, she is prepared to endure it in order to exercise her right to suffrage come Monday.

“Mahirap po ‘pag umuulan maputik, iyon ang ano namin sa barangay namin. Bundok talaga,” she added.

Some passengers, on the other hand, complained of longer bus intervals and congested waiting areas at the terminal due to the influx of passengers.

“Ngayon talaga ang hirap sumakay. Hindi nga namin alam kung makakasakay talaga kami kasi wala pang bus. Parating pa lang,” a passenger named Lydia Laurino said.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) called on taxi drivers to follow traffic rules, particularly the one that prohibits the loading and unloading of passengers at the terminal.

“Sinasabi na namin, ‘yung mga karatula basang basa na nila iyan. Kitang kita nila. Ayaw lang nila sundin. Nakikiusap kami kung pwede sana sumunod na lang sa panuntunan ng batas trapiko. Wag nang magdahilan,” said Bong Nebrija, the head of MMDA Edsa Traffic.

The MMDA earlier announced that the number coding scheme for provincial buses will be lifted on May 10 (Friday) and May 14 (Tuesday) to accommodate commuters who will go to their provinces to vote for the midterm polls.

READ: MMDA suspends number coding for provincial bus on May 10, 14

Nebrija said they are expecting heavy traffic along Edsa on Friday due to the lifting of the number coding scheme and last-minute campaigns of political parties and candidates. (with details from Mai Bermudez)