‘Safety gadgets on buses OK, but fares may rise’

MANILA, Philippines—Transport officials and bus operators said they fully supported the measures being proposed that would require the installation of speed limiters and closed-circuit television cameras on passenger buses in the name of public safety, but warned that this could lead to fare hikes later on, thus burdening commuters even more.

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Mary Ann Salada, spokesperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), told lawmakers that transport industry stakeholders had raised concerns about the cost of putting in these safety gadgets.

Salada spoke at the hearing of the House transportation committee which is taking up the measures.

The LTFRB is seeking to modernize public utility buses, telling operators that vehicles older than 15 years would no longer be allowed to be registered, Salada said.

“The acquisition of new buses is already costing these companies. And with speed limiters and CCTVs to be installed as well, the costs would pile up,” she said.

The bus operators would likely eventually file a petition for a rate increase, which the LTFRB would study, Salada said. If an increase is justified, the public will have to deal with higher fares, she added.

Alex Yague, president of the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines, said the installation of CCTVs could result in bus conductors losing their jobs as some operators might think there would be no more need for conductors since the cameras could be used to monitor the comings and goings of bus passengers.

The use of speed limiters is intended to prevent accidents, especially in light of the recent deaths of passengers in bus accidents.

The CCTVS, on the other hand, are intended to deter robberies and other crimes. Leila B. Salaverria

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