With the new school year just around the corner, authorities in Pangasinan are stepping up efforts to ensure safe and legal transport for students.

Zenaida Baroga, a mother of three students in Mangaldan, always reminds her children to avoid boarding overloaded tricycles on their way to school.

“Para iwas disgrasya, tapos safe mga bata,” she said.

To address concerns like overloading and overcharging, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will strengthen monitoring of public transportation ahead of the June 16 class opening. They will deploy more enforcers, especially around large schools.

“Sa bawat gate ng school, mayroong mag-a-assist na enforcer para matiyak ang maayos na flow ng sasakyan sa area,” Romel Dawaton, chief of LTO Dagupan City District Office, said.

The LTO also called on transport groups to follow traffic laws strictly and make sure their vehicles are in good condition before operating.

“Bago ako bumabiyahe sa umaga, chine-check ko ang brake. Lahat tinitingnan ko muna para alam kong safe ang mga pasahero ko,” Alexis Frianza, a jeepney driver, said.

With these measures, officials hope to prevent accidents and provide safer travel for students across the region.