LTFRB to be stricter on school bus operators

With the opening of the new school year approaching, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will be stricter in regulating school bus operations. LTFRB board member Manuel Iway said they will pay particular attention to alleged "overcharging" by some operators, radio dzBB reported on Tuesday afternoon. Iway said they have received complaints by parents that some school bus operators suddenly jack up their rates as the opening of classes draws closer. While he did not cite figures, he said the LTFRB will review the monthly rates offered by school bus operators. Also, Iway said they will be stricter in inspecting the safety of school buses. He said they will particularly check the vehicles' seatbelts, fire extinguishers and medical kits aboard the school buses. The safety of the children riding such vehicles will be the bottom line for the LTFRB, he added. — RSJ, GMA News