DOTC launches PWD-friendly buses

The Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) on Thursday launched new buses for the point-to-point (P2P) service that feature a technology-enabled and Persons with Disability (PWD)-friendly design.

In a statement, the department noted the "... push to modernize the country’s public utility bus (PUB) system reaches another milestone," with the new P2P buses.

"We are ridding our streets of dilapidated, poorly-maintained, and unsuitable buses. Eventually, this will push all PUBs to modernize,” DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya said.
 
“PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant women will begin enjoying the convenience and comfort of this new class of city buses, which improve accessibility with low floors and foldable ramps," he added.
 
The high-capacity buses include the following features:

• Low floor height

• Hydraulic kneeling function to allow tilting towards the pavement

• Retractable or foldable boarding and alighting ramp

• Tap-and-go card payment system

• Global positioning system (GPS) devices

• On-board close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras

• Free Wi-Fi

Under DOTC’s Department Order No. 2015-18, which created the P2P Bus Service last year, buses introduced under this category must also be compliant with Euro IV emissions standards or better, or run on clean alternative fuels.

The P2P service was conceived to cut travel time and provide convenient commutes, through fixed stops and schedules.
 
On Wednesday, the DOTC, LTFRB, and other government agencies launched the Airport Bus System at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

The new service, created under DOTC Department Order No. 2015-11, intends to provide an alternative means of accessing the airport facilities and to ease the long queues for airport taxi services.
 
Last week, the LTFRB required for all PUBs to install GPS devices to better monitor and discipline errant bus drivers and operators. – VS, GMA News