DOTr to summon 2 bus terminals to retrofit facilities — Dizon

MANILA, Philippines — Two bus terminals in Manila will be summoned by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to fix their facilities and improve the passenger experience, new Transport chief Vince Dizon said on Wednesday. 

Dizon inspected Ohayami Trans, Florida Bus Terminal, and Victory Liner in Sampaloc, Manila ahead of the expected influx of passengers for commemoration of this year’s Undas. 

Dizon flagged Ohayami Trans for having a cramped waiting area and lack of toilet bowls in the men’s restroom. He also pointed out the low water pressure and faulty flush toilets in the Victory Liner, as well as its waiting area.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Tollway operators all set for heavier traffic for ‘Undas’

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“Hindi naman tayo humihiling ng 5-star pero yung may dignidad naman yung mga pasahero natin, malinis ang CR, may tubig, gumagana ang flash, may bidet, malaki yung waiting area, may electric fan, basic yun eh. Ngayon kung hindi nila yun magawa eh sorry na lang,” Dizon told reporters in an interview. 

(We’re not asking for a 5-star experience but we wish our passengers to have a dignified experience with clean restrooms, spacious waiting areas with electric fan, that’s basic. Now, if they can’t do that, then I’m sorry.)

He then warned that he would order the closure of the terminals if they did not comply with his order to retrofit their facilities. He added that he could not suspend their operations now as it may affect the commuting public for Undas exodus. 

Meanwhile, Dizon commended the Florida Bus Terminal and requested for additional electric fans in the terminal to improve the ventilation for passengers. He also tried a ticketing kiosk inside the terminal, noting that other terminals should install the same machine for a seamless ticketing system. 

Article continues after this advertisement

In response to the comments made by Dizon upon inspecting Victory Liner Terminal, Operations Manager Brix Macalinao said that the terminal will comply with the secretary’s requests. 

“Ready po tayo magcomply. Kapag po ganyang inspection at may nakikita sa ating terminal, kailangan ASAP [as soon as possible],” Macalinao said in a separate interview. 

Article continues after this advertisement

(We are ready to comply. If they raise something in inspections like this, we need to fix them ASAP.)

READ: NCRPO warns public vs fake priests in cemeteries soliciting money on Undas

Non-compliant bus companies

Meanwhile, Dizon expressed dismay when he learned that of the 50 bus companies the DOTr issued show-cause orders to when he was still its secretary last year, only almost half complied. 

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Dizon said that he already asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to provide him a list of non-compliant bus companies so he can investigate them. /mr