How to solve the ‘rolling coffins’ problem

MANILA, Philippines – Transportation authorities are stepping up their watch on the condition of buses on the road in the wake of recent bus accidents in the country.

In efforts to prevent road accidents involving so-called “rolling coffins,” the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is meeting with bus operators today (Sept. 1) to see how bus companies can improve the maintenance of their facilities and operations. Mechanical failure has been blamed for a number of accidents involving buses.

Bus inspections

Following an initial inventory of buses over the past week, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said 2,800 out of 3,500 buses operating along EDSA in Metro Manila have been found roadworthy after undergoing inspection. Around 700 buses have yet to undergo inspection.

In an interview with ANC’s “The Rundown” on Monday (August 31), LTFRB Executive Director and spokesman Manny Mahipus said bus companies who fail to send their buses for inspection will be given summons by the board to explain.

On orders of the DOTC, non-EDSA buses and provincial buses are also set to undergo inspection.

Last Friday, Mahipus said LTFRB Chair Dante Lantin had ordered regional directors to conduct inspections in their respective regions.

Bus franchise

Citing LTFRB records, Alex Yague, executive director and spokesman of the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines, said the franchise of Eso Nice, the bus involved in the Benguet accident which killed 42 people, was valid.

“Unfortunately, the franchise holder sold some of the units to another operator.” Yague said, citing the colorum or “kabit-system” in bus franchising.

The LTFRB has ordered investigations into the issuance of licenses.

Mahipus added it was the roadworthiness certificate of Eso Nice that was fake, while Cul Transport, the bus involved in the accident in Pagbilao, Quezon had a valid franchise.

“The bus involved in the accident in Quezon was issued a franchise in 2009 valid until 2014.”

Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple injuries have been filed against the driver of the bus, which plunged into a creek in Pagbilao, Quezon last, killing 5 and leaving 47 others hurt. Investigations are set for September 2.

Too many buses

Saying fleet operators have the responsibility to maintain their buses, Yague added there have been suggestions for a weekly inspection of buses for maintenance checks to prevent accidents.

Yague admitted the sheer number of buses on the road may be to blame for the deterioration of the quality of service.

“Before 1987, there were a few bus companies in Metro Manila and the provinces. When we deregulated, from a few hundred operators, it became more than a thousand, so the standard of maintenance and quality of service has somehow deteriorated,” Yague said.

Factors behind road accidents

Speaking also with ANC, Johnny Angeles, vice-president of the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) and chairman of its Road Safety Committee, said, “All accidents are preventable.”

Angeles said the condition of the vehicle, the human factor and the environment–which includes the condition of the road and the weather– contribute to the risk.

“We can’t do so much about the road. It’s government’s job to make the roads safe. That’s our advocacy now,” said Angeles.

Citing the case of the bus accident in Naguilan Road in Benguet, which left 42 people dead, Yague admitted road conditions contributed to the recent spate of road accidents.

“The road has not been widened enough to accommodate overtaking and emergency parking in cases of car malfunction,” Yague said. He, however, added that drivers familiar with the road condition should be more cautious.

Commission system, voluntary training

Mahipus said they are looking into the practice by some operators to impose commissions on their drivers if they exceed their quota. He admitted while most fleets pay salaries, smaller bus operators pay drivers through commission.

“The DOTC is working with the labor department to review this mode of compensation. This has been one causes of accidents, drivers catching up with boundary,” Mahipus said.

Mahipus said there is on-going training to improve driving standards in partnership with private groups.

“It’s a voluntary program, but in cases of accidents, it’s mandatory for drivers of the fleet. There are preventive measures being done to institutionalize training for bus drivers in tandem with the government program,” Mahipus said

“We are adopting the buddy system or apprenticeship program for new drivers to learn driving skills from old drivers,” Yague added.  –Caroline J. Howard, ANC