I am all for freedom and private enterprise, but these people must consider that this private enterprise (buses) not only uses, but unduly hogs, public resources (roads). I think this is an angle that they are not giving any attention. Every day we all waste much more time than necessary in traffic because these buses have to drive through EDSA three-fourths empty, and load/unload passengers 3 times between every bus stop. Traffic is the single worst thing about living in Metro Manila. Not floods. Not pollution. Not crime. It's traffic. Most people will agree.

Perhaps more so than any other industry/service, their business is entirely dependent on using public roads. They are therefore not a true private enterprise. They should not be given complete freedom to determine how they want to run their business because their operations impede other private citizens and businesses from using public roads.

God, if only the SC had my wisdom.

I can only trust that the SC, will of course, consider that mass transport is and will always will be a public service and that safe, reliable and timely transportation service for citizens will ALWAYS trump the interest of any private enterprise.

 

For now, the most disagreeable part of the companies' argument for me is "other time-honored arrangements"; if such things are detrimental to the commuting public then out with such "corrupt" practices.

the main problem here is just really on the drivers' discipline. they should also device a strategy to limit the max. speed of these city buses to just 40kph. im talkin about a device that wil limit the speed to just about 40kph no matter how desperate the driver to push the gas to the floor.

 

this way, deaths caused by these raging buses will be reduced significantly or perhaps be down to 0.

 

now, aint that genius?

I trust that the Philippine Supreme Court will make the decision based on what is good for the Filipino riders and time Filipinos spent on the street of Metro Manila. There is so much time wasted by these Filipinos everyday on the street. This wasted time could be used for many things like taking care of their housework, their children, their health, their personal needs etcetera. The Supreme Court should also seriously consider the traffic safety of everyone. With its reasonable and intelligent decision, traffic deaths and injuries of Filipinos will be minimized, if not completely eliminated.

I don't think the root of the problem lies in the bus drivers and conductors, but the change to a salary instead of commission does help. It's about time this bus operators get reprimanded for their actions. Their "time honored schemes" is no where in the constitution. The constitution does not protect bus operators but the Filipino people's welfare. We often see lawsuits by bus riders as a result of accidents. The law suits should also be aimed at the bus owners as well. These owners use their bus drivers as a shield when they are being sued. There should be accountability. However, the owners do not take proper precaution to avoid accidents.

a steady salary will enable the driver and conductor not to rush or wait at bus stations. an incentive scheme by the bus operator for maximum occupancy coupled with increase in no. of trips can be done for the operator to increase their revenue. we still believe the steady income will be better for everyone. discipline by everybody participating is a must. increase the number of lrt and mrt coaches as well!