Cubao, Philippines — In aim of ensuring safe roads versus mishaps and accidents, the drivers and conductors of the bus company Solid North Transit underwent a mandatory drug test, under the directive of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and of Land Transportation Office (LTO).
On May 7, 740 bus drivers and conductors from Solid North’s terminal and office in Cubao were tested for drugs, which follows President Marcos’ mandate on safe roads for users.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza noted that this measure is to ensure the bus company’s road safety compliance, especially after the tragic accident involving one of its units.
It can be recalled that on May 1st, one unit of the bus company was among those involved in a road accident in the SCTEX Toll plaza that killed 10 people.
This mandatory drug test was pushed further especially after the driver of the said bus refused to do the test.
Mendoza noted that the mandatory drug test is just one of the measures of the government to ensure that bus drivers and conductors are fit for the job.
Aside from this, passenger buses of the Solid North Transit will also undergo mandatory roadworthiness testing, while these measures will be replicated to other bus companies and operators in the country.
LTO said that they are now coordinating with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to be able to conduct surprise, random, and mandatory drug tests for all public utility vehicle drivers, from motor taxi riders, bus, and truck drivers as well.