11 USC buses found deficient

CEBU, Philippines - Eleven buses of the University of San Carlos South Campus- Girls High were found deficient during an inspection yesterday afternoon following the recent surprise inspections made on the buses of the University of San Jose-Recoletos and of the Cebu Institute of Technology-University last June 13.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-7) director Ahmed Cuizon said 11 out of 20 school transport units of the campus were found to have no grills, no first aid kits and no fire extinguishers. They also lack proper documents and have improper markings.

The LTFRB want them to comply with the necessary government requirements for the safety of the students.

Cuizon said he issued summons to the said vehicles and owners have until tomorrow to comply with the requirements.

“So far owners of the vehicles assured to comply with the order,” he said.

Meanwhile, of the 15 USJ-R buses which were found deficient, only five complied with the LTFRB requirements while 10 others remained non-compliant and were meted appropriate penalties.

“With the five buses, they have installed needed grills and fire extinguishers with official receipts showing that they have purchased the items within the prescribed period,” Cuizon said in a text message.

Owners of the 10 other buses are now liable for a fine of P2,000 for the first offense, P3,000 fine with suspension of their franchise for 60 days and confiscation of their yellow plate for the second offense, and a fine of P5,000 with cancellation of franchise for the third offense.

Cuizon clarified that the fine will depend on how many buses failed to meet the requirements at a given time.

On the part of the CIT-U, Cuizon said they have not made a follow-up inspection yet but the school administration promised to help disseminate information on the importance of school transportation franchise.

Based on the records of LTFRB-7, only 179 school transportations in the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Talisay and Cebu have franchises considering the large number of campuses in these areas.

Franchise fees cost less than P10,000 and are valid for five years per unit.  (FREEMAN)