IACT, MMDA to check roadworthiness of buses plying Metro Manila roads

Following numerous accidents involving buses plying EDSA and other metro roads, the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (IACT) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are poised to launch inspections at Bus Management and Dispatch System (BMDS) terminals in Metro Manila.

“Road-unworthy PUVs don’t have a place in our streets and major thoroughfares. We don’t want another road mishap caused by broken parts or lost brakes which can be avoided if the vehicle is maintained properly,” IACT head Tim Orbos said in a statement on Thursday.

On Tuesday, 19 people including two bystanders were injured after a bus, which purportedly lost its brakes, rammed into another bus and a car.  Both buses crashed into a concrete wall and destroyed a waiting shed along Magallanes Avenue in Makati City.

Less than a month ago, an accident involving two buses at Timog Avenue in Quezon City resulted to the injury of 36 passengers.

READ:  19 hurt as bus rams into 2 vehicles, waiting shed on Edsa

READ: 36 hurt as 2 buses crash on EDSA-Timog Ave.

According to IACT, the roadworthiness inspection will consist of checking the condition of the bus body and chassis, engine, lights, brakes, tires, horn, battery, and smoke emission.

If the buses fail to pass the test, they would not be allow entry to BMDS terminals, and may even result to suspension of their franchises.

“Buses carry passengers ranging from 48 to 60 which make them the most risky public transport vehicle. A single accident can produce a huge number of injuries, or worst, fatalities,” MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said, highlighting the importance of passengers’ safety.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia, on the other hand, said the measure would also help in easing traffic flow along major thoroughfares.

“Any road accident automatically results to heavy traffic because lanes will be occupied and vehicles involved become a road obstruction,” Garcia noted.   /kga