LTFRB gives Nova Transport 72 hours to argue vs franchise cancellation

A transport firm whose bus figured in a deadly accident in Quezon City Wednesday was given 72 hours to explain why its franchise should not be canceled over the incident.

 

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board also ordered Nova Auto Transport Inc. and drivers involved to attend a hearing on the case for Tuesday, Oct. 23.

 

"(Respondent-operator) is hereby ordered to show cause in writing within 72 hours why its Certificate of Public Convenience ... should not be suspended, canceled, and/or revoked for violation of the terms and conditions of its franchise," LTFRB Chairman Jaime Jacob said in an Oct. 17 order.

 

Jacob said a failure by the respondents to bring the drivers concerned at the hearing will be considered a waiver by the firm of its right to be heard.

 

He said the case will then be decided based on the records of the LTFRB.

 

A Nova bus (TWR-959) had figured in a deadly accident when it hit a motorcycle Tuesday along Belfast Avenue. One of the motorcycle's two passengers was killed.

 

Witnesses quoted in earlier radio reports as saying the Nova bus was speeding at the time of the incident.

 

On Tuesday, another Nova bus was involved in an accident in Quezon City where at least 28 were injured.

 

On Wednesday, the LTFRB preventively suspended for 30 days the bus firm's 76 units. These included those plying:

 

 

During the suspension, the bus drivers are to undergo road safety seminars and drug testing, while the buses are to be inspected for roadworthiness.

 

In ordering the suspension of the 76 units, Jacob also cited records showing the firm's units had been involved in at least 16 accidents since 2009.

 

The operator was also ordered to surrender the yellow (for-hire) plates of the buses within five days. –KG, GMA News