A group of bus operators in Metro Manila is asking the Department of Transportation to rethink its proposal to limit public utility vehicle drivers to four hour shifts daily.

Mega Manila Consortium President Juliet De Jesus said the policy is not applicable for city bus operations due to the smaller number of drivers and shorter routes.

“Gaya ng bus carousel, from Monumento to PITX, pagdating ng PITX hindi naman agad nadi-dispatch pabalik ng Monumento, may mga queuing. May mga 30 minutes na pahinga ang mga driver… Sa probinsya, applicable ang sinasabi ni Sec. Vince,” she told Teleradyo Serbisyo.

DOTr Sec. Vince Dizon first floated the idea at a press conference on Monday, following the fatal road crashes at the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the ramming incident at the NAIA Terminal 1.

Another bus operator, HM Transport President Homer Mercado, believes the reduced driving hours limit is needed. He noted how buses with routes to Bicol are already implementing a similar policy.

Aside from limiting driving hours, the agency is also looking at requiring PUV drivers to undergo regular drug testing.

DOTr chief wants regular drug testing for PUV drivers

De Jesus backs the suggestion, noting how it is already being implemented by city bus operators.

“Okay po sa amin. Kakayanin kasi maraming polisya ng drug testing ang mga operator. Parang surprised ang ginagawa namin before dispatch,” she said.

Mercado also backs the regular mandatory drug testing for drivers, even if it means more costs to be shouldered by bus companies.

“Okay lang kung sa ikabubuti ng mga pasahero saka ng publiko. Konti lang ang gastos dyan,” he said.

Ten people died in the multiple vehicle collision near the SCTEX Toll Plaza in Tarlac on Labor Day, including four minors. The DOTr has already suspended operations of the involved bus company.

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