After losing a unit to fire and being compelled to pay for the road damage, the operator of the tourist bus that caught fire on EDSA is confronted with another problem after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) cancelled its authority to operate.
LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said the cancellation of the provisional authority of the LS8 Tourist Transportation Corp. covers all its 17 units over the issue of failure to strictly observe road safety guidelines.
“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,” said Mendoza.
“In this case, it appears that there were some lapses committed especially in the regular maintenance of the vehicle,” he added.
The bus caught fire over the weekend at the EDSA-Oritgas Interchange on April 24 while travelling to Cavite. The incident caused heavy traffic and suspension of operation of the MRT-3.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has already issued a demand letter to the bus firm to pay all the cost for the repair and rehabilitation of the damage roads and infrastructure.
In the letter, the DPWH required the company to shoulder the cost of repair and rehabilitation of the affected bridge section, as well as reimburse any additional expenses that may arise from further structural evaluation and permanent remedial works.
The DPWH emphasized that the demand is without prejudice to any possible administrative, civil, or criminal liabilities that may also stem from the incident.
On the part of the LTFRB, Mendoza said they discussed the effects of the incident which could have been prevented with the regular road worthiness inspections during the deliberation.
In the decision dated April 30, the Board emphasized that authority to operate could be recalled by the LTFRB being the issuing authority.
“Pursuant thereto, the Board hereby recalls and cancels the Provisional Authority of the LS EIGHT TRANSPORT CORPORATION, effective immediately upon receipt of this Order,” the decision read.
“The Board, likewise orders respondent, including its officers, agents, drivers, and all persons acting under its authority, to cease and desist from operating all units covered by the said Provisional Authority,” it added.
Any continued operation, according to the LTFRB, shall be considered illegal or colorum operation.
Mendoza said the incident involving the tourist bus operator 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,” said Mendoza.
“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,” he added.