DOTC tells operators to ensure school buses are safe, roadworthy

With school due to open in less than two weeks, school bus operators should make sure their fleets are roadworthy and equipped with proper safety devices. The reminder was issued on Friday by Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) spokesman Thompson Lantion as the agency discussed its preparations for school opening. "Lalo ang school buses, dapat kumpleto ang gamit, nasa kundisyon ang sasakyan, brakes nila, pati ang first-aid kits at fire extinguishers," Lantion said in an interview on dzXL radio. (School buses should have complete equipment. Vehicles should be well-maintained, roadworthy, and must have safety gadgets such as first-aid kits and fire extinguishers.) The DOTC will ensure that operators of school buses comply with other safety features like seat belts and metal grills. Lantion also reminded jeepney drivers to give students the required 20-percent fare discount once school starts. Students who notice violations such as overcharging and unsafe vehicles can call the DOTC through its action hotline at 7890, he said. Lantion also said the agency is coordinating with the Metro Manila police in protecting students using the Light and Metro Rail Transit (LRT/MRT) systems. He said the LRT/MRT systems serve at least 550,000 passengers a day. For his part, Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said that the agency has been on heightened alert since May 28. The Coast Guard adopted a two-pronged approach to maritime safety in time for school opening, involving prevention and response. Tamayo met with representatives of shipping companies to comply with safety precautions. The Coast Guard has also pre-positioned its aircraft and seacraft in strategic areas nationwide to ensure quick response to maritime incidents, he said. "Ang barko at aircraft naka-deploy na para maiksi ang response kung magkaroon ng incident," he said. (Our seacraft and aircraft have been deployed to ensure shorter response time.) - RJAB Jr./LBG, GMANews.TV