Public buses required to install GPS units – LTFRB

MANILA, Philippines – Starting September this year, bus operators will be required to register and install global positioning system (GPS) devices for public utility buses. 

In Memorandum Circular 2015-021, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) required the installation of GPS units to allow the board to monitor the speed and routes of public buses.

The devices will also help ensure the safety and security of passengers and drivers, the board added.

“Should a bus go missing for any reason, the device can help bus operators and authorities recover it. Or it can help operators quickly send a replacement bus to convey the passengers stranded by a broken-down bus,” the LTFRB said.

Bus operators are required to register and install GPS devices following the schedule set by the LTFRB:

• For provincial buses entering Metro Manila: September 1, 2015, until January 31, 2016
• Metro Manila city buses: January 31 to April 30, 2016
• Inter-regional buses not entering Metro Manila: April 1 to July 31, 2016
• Intra-regional buses: on or before July 1 to October 31, 2016 

Only GPS devices procured from accredited suppliers can be registered. These will be installed under the supervision of LTFRB personnel.

Those who fail to install the units within the deadline will be penalized P5,000 per unit, with an additional P1,000 fine for every month of non-compliance.

After the accreditation and installation of the GPS units, the devices will be registered and assigned a unique ID. 

With this setup, the GPS device will be able to send data to the log server, including information on the bus unit’s location and speed.

“With the use of latest and innovative technology, we believe we can modernize our transport system and provide the commuters with reliable, convenient and safe transportation services,” LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said. – Rappler.com