LTFRB affirms shutdown of 2 erring bus companies

OPERATING without a permit, an MGP Trans bus was hit by another from the Elena transport firm which lost its brakes while speeding on Edsa in November 2013. The accident left seven people dead and over 30 others injured. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has rejected the appeals filed by bus companies Elena Liner and MGP Trans over the cancellation of their licenses.

Buses from the two companies figured in a road accident on Nov. 14 last year which killed seven people and injured more than 30 others. An Elena unit lost control and rammed into an MGP bus at a loading bay on the southbound lane of Edsa near Magallanes. The rear-ended MGP bus turned out to be operating without a valid permit.

The LTFRB issued 30-day suspension orders against Elena operator Angelito Chan, grounding 21 buses; and against MGP operator Margarito Penalosa, covering 18 units.

The two firms filed motions seeking the partial lifting of the suspension.

But in a statement Friday, LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez said: “While we recognize the financial effect on the part of the employees of the two bus companies, the rule of law must prevail above all; the safety of the riding public is the paramount and primordial consideration of the board.”

The board reiterated that the Elena bus involved in the accident lost its brakes while MGP unit was plying its route despite the lack of a permit.

It also explained that Elena’s extension of medical and financial assistance to the accident victims was not enough to absolve the bus company of liabilities arising from its operational lapses.

Elena Liner failed to exercise diligence when it allowed the bus to operate without ensuring its roadworthiness, it added. Such failure cannot be considered purely the driver’s fault.

In the case of MGP Trans, the board dismissed as self-serving Penalosa’s explanation faulting the driver and the dispatcher for allowing an unauthorized bus to operate.

It also noted that MGP’s garage in West Fairview lacked space for its entire fleet and its repair shop and equipment were also inadequate.