LTFRB finds safety issues in bus inspections

(Updated 10:20 a.m.) At least one unit of a provincial bus firm was grounded after it flunked an inspection by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Saturday.

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said the unit of Five Star bus (AWC-827) was found to have a broken windshield when inspected by one of his agency's teams.

The LTFRB posted photos indicating the grounded bus was inspected at the firm's Cubao terminal.

One unit of Five Star w/ Plate No AWC 827 was grounded due to broken windshield - LTFRB Cubao Inspection Team pic.twitter.com/89Cq63cR24

— LTFRB_CHAIRMAN (@LTFRB_Chairman) March 7, 2015

It said its teams are also inspecting Pangasinan Five Star buses in Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Isabela.

Simultaneous inspection of ALL Pangasinan Five Star buses now happening in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Isabela. pic.twitter.com/voBohtfZEp

— LTFRB_CHAIRMAN (@LTFRB_Chairman) March 6, 2015

Another tweet by the LTFRB said three buses were found to have their tires worn out or recapped.

It said it ordered the company to replace the tires before dispatching the buses.

3 buses with worn out tires & 1 with recap found. Five Star was directed to replace the tires before being dispatch. pic.twitter.com/saITJrp9Vk

— LTFRB_CHAIRMAN (@LTFRB_Chairman) March 7, 2015

Photos posted by GMA News' Jay Sabale showed the teams thoroughly inspecting the buses.

LTFRB Inspection of provincial buses. pic.twitter.com/uDSBo36bIv

— Jay Sabale (@jay2dfour) March 6, 2015

More photos tweeted by dzBB's Manny Vargas showed the LTFRB teams boarding some of the units.

Inspection isinagawa ng LTFRB sa mga bus ng Five Star. |via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/dnHx6t12AN

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) March 6, 2015

Several passengers affected by the inspection had no choice but to wait.

Mga apektadong pasahero sa mga ininspeksyong bus ng Five Star , walang nagawa kundi maghintay. |via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/K2qK234qdn

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) March 6, 2015

MMDA, LTO to go after drunk drivers

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Land Transportation Office will go after drunk drivers starting this coming week, dzBB reported Saturday.

Filipinos are expected to take public utility vehicles in going to the provinces to spend their vacation during the dry (summer) season. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News