It's close to a miracle for a Philippine goverment official to keep his word...

Online petition for bus speed limiters reaches LTFRB chair

Online petition for bus speed limiters reaches LTFRB chair
BY RAPPLER.COM
POSTED ON 02/03/2014 10:22 PM | UPDATED 02/04/2014 8:12 AM


MANILA, Philippines – Two steps closer to a better commuting experience?

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) late January received two petitions from Change.org asking for changes in the public transport rules in the Philippines.

One petition, which was started by motoring editor James Deakin, is asking the LTFRB to require the installation of speed limiters on all public buses. The petition, which was started mid-December, received over 12,800 signatures when it was turned over to LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez.

Ginez said the board, under the orders of Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya, has already started to look for the appropriate technology. “We are now in talks with suppliers to find the best technical solution, although in principle, this is already a done deal," Ginez added.

The LTFRB earlier said that the idea to install speed limiters was nothing new, and that they were already in the process of looking for potential suppliers.

Deakin's petition proposes a 50 kilometer per hour limit for buses plying EDSA and an 80 km/h limit for provincial buses. Ginez, meanwhile said the board is looking to implement the proposed speed limiting system using a website that would send an alarm when a bus goes over 80km/h.

Ginez said hooking it up to a website also makes it easier to track errant companies who tamper with the limiters. Deakin's petition came days after an accident involving a bus killed at least 18 people.

The LTFRB later revoked the franchise of the Don Mariano, the operator of the bus involved in the accident.

“Road accidents and bus tragedies are all too common in the Philippines and this victory will definitely save hundreds of lives,” said Deakin, who also proposed adding limiters to trucks.

Deakin was optimistic but cautious about the chances of the petition to turn into reality. "I still need your help to make sure [Ginez] makes good on his word. But it's still a big victory to get to this point," he said in his blog.

In December, Iloilo Representative Jerry Tenas filed a bill that would require speed limiters in city and provincial buses. Under House Bill 3624, those who don't install speed limiters will get a penalty of one year imprisonment and a P300,000 fine. Tampering with speed limiters will also result in 6 months of jail time and a P100,000 fine. National highways and expressways with minimum speeds of 60 km/h are exempted from Trenas' bill.

Change.org Campaign Director Inday Espina-Varona also presented to Ginez another petition related to public transport in the country. The petition, which currently has over 4,000 signatures, wants the government to devote at least 10 seats for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, persons with children, and elderly on public buses.

The way things are, riding a public bus also means racing to get the best seat. During rush hour, most conductors ram as many commuters as possible inside the buses. – Bea Cupin/Rappler.com