LTFRB cancels tourist bus operator's provisional authority over EDSA-Ortigas fire

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has canceled the provisional authority of the operator of the tourist bus that caught fire at the EDSA-Ortigas Flyover on April 24.

In a statement, LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza II said the canceled provisional authority covers all the 17 registered units of the tourist bus operator and takes effect immediately.

“The provisional authority is a privilege given to the operators and it comes with the obligation to make sure that all the units are in best condition in the interest of public comfort and safety,” Mendoza said.

He added: “In this case, it appears that there were some lapses committed especially in the regular maintenance of the vehicle.”

The fire lasted for one hour in the evening of April 24. The tourist bus was en route to Cavite when it caught fire.

The incident caused heavy traffic and suspension of the MRT-3’s operations, as well as the temporary closure of the EDSA-Ortigas Flyover, which has already reopened on Monday.

Earlier on Thursday, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued a formal demand to the bus operator to cover the cost of repairing the damage to the flyover as a result of the incident.

The LTFRB discussed the effects of the incident, which could have been prevented with regular road worthiness inspections.

In a decision dated April 30, the agency said it may recall an authority to operate that it previously issued.

It also ordered the bus operator’s officers, agents, drivers, etc. to “CEASE and DESIST from operating all units covered by the said Provisional Authority.”

“Any continued operation shall be considered illegal or colorum operation,” the LTFRB said.

Mendoza said the incident should serve as a lesson to all operators to ensure the road worthiness of their units.

“It is clear the moment they apply for authority to operate that they will regularly and strictly observe measures for the protection of their passengers and all road users,” he said.

“The cancellation of the provisional authority to operate of this bus operator should serve as a strong message that we are serious in enforcing the law and in ensuring that they will all comply with the conditions set in exchange for their privilege to operate,” the LTFRB chief added. — JMA, GMA News