Fit all buses with 'speed limiters', solons propose

This bus almost fell of the EDSA flyover. Proponents of HB 6395, citing LTFRB studies, blame speeding - and racing - for the majority of accidents involving buses in Metro Manila.

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InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers are looking to require the installation of "speed limiters" in all public buses in Metro Manila, in hopes of reducing accidents involving the over-speeding – and often racing – vehicular behemoths.

House Bill 6395, filed by Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Party-list Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. of Abante Mindanao, proceeds from a study by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. The LTFRB says that in 2011, there were 395 victims of bus accidents, resulting in 74 deaths, 300 injuries and 20 cases of damage to property.

"All these accidents happen because these public utility buses drive all over the country as if they are in a race, always speeding and changing lanes without any concern for their fellow motorists," he said.

There are mechanical and eletronic speed limiters. The device the congressmen want installed will limit the maximum speed of public utility buses plying Metro Manila to 40 kph; the limit will be 60 kph for those traveling to provincial routes.

Should it become law, the proposal will put the burden of purchasing and installing the speed limiting devices to bus owners and operators.

The buses will  be subjected to a regular inspection by the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The registration, renewal and approval of franchises of the buses will only be allowed when speed limiters will have been installed.

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