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Sanctions await violators of new guideline for bus lines: LTFRB

By Christine Cudis

June 1, 2022, 7:38 pm

<p><strong>WARNED.</strong> The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal. Local authorities have issued a warning against bus drivers who still pick up passengers outside the terminal, saying sanctions against violators of the guideline can go as far as impounding the bus units. (<em>PNA file photo)</em></p>

WARNED. The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal. Local authorities have issued a warning against bus drivers who still pick up passengers outside the terminal, saying sanctions against violators of the guideline can go as far as impounding the bus units. (PNA file photo)

DAVAO CITY – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 11 (Davao region) on Wednesday warned that the new guideline for bus operators comes with sanctions.

This came as several netizens uploaded photos of bus drivers picking up passengers outside the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), despite the announcement not to load travelers outside the facility.

"This is new, but it was already discussed with the operators. We will start arresting the violators, and it comes with sanctions," LTFRB-11 Director Nonito Llanos III said via Davao City Disaster Radio.

Llanos said bus operators would be imposed a PHP5,000 fine on first offense, and PHP15,000 for second offense.

Those apprehended the third time may result in their units being impounded.

He said the order has been relayed to the Land Transportation Office and the Highway Patrol Group.

Earlier, Task Force Davao issued a guideline requiring bus companies to only load passengers at the DCOTT along the Ecoland area here.

Task Force Davao commander, Col. Darren Comia, described the move as a safety precaution after the May 26 bombing incident of a Yellow Bus Line unit in Koronadal City in South Cotabato that injured two persons.

"Our DCOTT is equipped with facilities that will ensure the security and safety of the passengers and residents of the city and neighboring provinces. We are issuing this temporary guideline [until further announcement]," Comia said.

He clarified, however, that bus passengers could still alight at their points of destinations in the city. (PNA)

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