Viral Bus Run Sparks LTFRB Crackdown, Operator Told to Explain

The LTFRB is moving fast after a viral video appeared to show a passenger bus blasting through an intersection even while the traffic light was already red. Ayon sa agency, the clip raised serious safety concerns because passengers and other motorists could have been put at risk in one reckless move.

LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the bus operator, which holds a franchise on North Luzon routes, and the driver of bus unit NAO-4058 were both ordered to submit a written explanation. The board wants them to answer why penalties should not be imposed for reckless driving and any other violations tied to the incident.

The agency said it is also looking beyond the viral clip itself. Investigators plan to check whether additional violations were committed and whether the driver was physically and mentally fit at the time the bus crossed the intersection.

Mendoza stressed that this was not a small lapse, saying the incident endangered not only the passengers inside the bus but also other road users. He also gave credit to the netizen who uploaded the video, noting that public reports can help authorities enforce discipline on the road.

For now, the operator and driver have been directed to face an online hearing on April 23. Kapag hindi sila sumagot or fail to appear, the LTFRB said that could be treated as a waiver of their side and may lead to a P5,000 penalty, with bigger franchise consequences still on the table.

Source: The Manila Times