Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has taken decisive action by suspending a bus operated by Partas Transportation Co. Inc. after it collided with concrete and plastic barriers on the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Busway in Quezon City. The crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday, prompting an immediate response from the regulatory authority.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II stated that a show cause order (SCO) was issued to the bus operator following the incident, which took place at approximately 3:30 a.m. The Board is keen to investigate whether reckless driving or excessive workload on the drivers contributed to the accident. Mendoza emphasized the importance of uncovering all details related to the crash during the investigation.

Initial findings revealed that the southbound bus was traveling along the EDSA Busway, moving from the EDSA-Quezon Avenue Flyover towards Timog Avenue, when the collision happened. Investigators have reported that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the accident, which is considered a breach of public transportation safety regulations and could be classified as reckless driving.

The show cause order issued to the operator includes a 30-day suspension of the involved bus. Partas Transportation Co. Inc. has been instructed to justify why its franchise should not face suspension or cancellation due to the incident. Additionally, the driver involved is required to attend a road safety seminar and undergo a drug test.

Furthermore, the bus operator is mandated to cover the costs of the damaged barriers. A hearing with the LTFRB is scheduled for August 6, where further actions regarding the incident will be deliberated.