Following direct orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize the welfare of commuters, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon today issued a stern 30-day ultimatum to all bus companies: ensure passenger-friendly terminals or face immediate sanctions, including closure.
Secretary Dizon’s directive reiterates President Marcos’s unwavering commitment to guaranteeing the safety and convenience of all passengers across the nation’s public transport system.
“They have, I think, 30 more days to comply. And if they fail to comply, we have informed them that we will not hesitate to take action,” Secretary Dizon stated during a Palace press briefing. “We will close those terminals, and there may be other sanctions imposed on those bus companies.”
Secretary Dizon announced that he will personally lead DOTr officials in inspecting bus terminals once the 30-day deadline expires, ensuring strict adherence to the new regulations.
This intensified focus on terminal standards comes after Secretary Dizon’s inspections last month, conducted in response to the President’s directive to enhance passenger convenience during the Holy Week season. These inspections revealed a concerning number of terminals lacking even the most basic required facilities for passengers.
Secretary Dizon specifically cited his strong displeasure and subsequent order to close a makeshift terminal in Pasay City that failed to meet essential standards. “I was quite annoyed by that. It has already been closed. It is no longer in use. The LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) has prohibited its use, and today, it is closed,” Dizon confirmed.
The DOTr has outlined clear requirements for bus terminals, emphasizing the provision of essential amenities and services. These include:
- Clean and accessible restrooms
- Reliable communication facilities
- Designated priority lanes for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs)
- A comprehensive land transport security plan
- Comfortable resting areas with adequate ventilation and lighting
- Efficient online ticketing systems
- Organized dispatching facilities for passengers
Bus companies are urged to take immediate action to ensure full compliance within the stipulated 30-day period to avoid punitive measures and uphold their responsibility to the commuting public.
