MMDA to bus operators: Have ‘microchip’ installed this month or else...

Public utility bus operators have until the end of January to ensure that their units have the “microchip" being installed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Failure to do so would mean the full brunt of the agency’s enforcers, MMDA chairman Bayani warned in a press conference Monday. The installment of Radio Frequency Identification Chips (RFID) to public utility buses is part of the MMDA’s moves to enhance its Organized Bus Route program that aims to monitor the movement of buses plying EDSA and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila. The program also seeks to provide commuters the right number of units. Under the OBR program, buses are required to line up in various terminals put up by the MMDA in different areas in the metropolis. They will be dispatched depending on the number of commuters on the road. Each terminals and loading bays are equipped with tracking device and cameras that will monitor every bus operating in Metro Manila. “In this way we can easily identify illegal or colorum buses, because our sensors can identify the legitimate buses through the microchips," Fernando explained. At least 2,500 legitimate buses are scheduled for tagging until the end of the month. Buses that will be found operating without the microchip will be apprehended come February. MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno said the program will be a big help on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in the campaign against colorum buses. "We have procured cutting-edge gadgets and equipment that cannot be tampered nor circumvented that would also enable us to exercise more effective control over buses and drivers," Nacianceno said. - GMANews.TV