LTFRB suspends bus firm in Chit Estella road accident

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended the company that owns the first bus that allegedly hit the taxi cab carrying journalist and university professor Lourdes “Chit” Estella-Simbulan, contributing to her tragic death.

The LTFRB also wants to investigate why the bus, owned by NS Transport Services Inc., was operating under the name Nova Auto Transport Inc., indicating a possible illegal transfer of ownership of a public utility vehicle.

In an order signed on Friday, the LTFRB issued a 30-day preventive suspension against NS Transport, which has 10 buses operating in Metro Manila. All 10 buses are covered by the suspension order.

The regulator said it would “inspect and determine the roadworthiness of all authorized bus units of NS Transport … bringing (the buses) to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Service together with an authorized representative of the board.”

All NS Transport bus drivers will also be asked to undergo road safety seminars and drug tests, the LTFRB said.