Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 8) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issues a new policy that allows passenger bus drivers to drive only up to six hours per trip starting April 9.
In a memorandum circular it released, the LTFRB explained this policy aims to prevent “driver fatigue,” which results in many road accidents.
The land transport regulators said an alternate driver should be on standby to take over for trips exceeding six hours.
It added the conductor cannot be an alternate driver, so passengers would be provided continuous assistance.
First-time offenders will be fined ₱5,000, going up to ₱10,000 for the second offense with a 30-day suspension. For the third offense, a penalty of 60-day suspension will be imposed.
The new policy came in time for the Holy Week, when passengers flood bus terminals to travel back to their provinces, with some trips taking more than six hours on the road.
