School Bus Operators Prepare for the Opening of Classes

School bus industry in the country was forced to cease operations for two years due to the pandemic. School bus operators are eager to resume operations in time for the start of face to face classes on August 22.

Due to the country’s forced suspension of face-to-face classes as a result of the virus, the pandemic caused drought and negatively impacted numerous businesses, particularly those involved in school transportation.

The pandemic, according to GMA News, is challenging for school bus drivers because they lost their jobs and means of living.

With the reopening of the face to face classes, drivers and company owners have more opportunities to make money and grow their operations by offering their passengers secure and convenient school transportation.

Bus operators were preparing to meet the guidelines provided by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) before they start their operations.

The maximum seating capacity was reduced from 18 students to 12 to 15 students by the LTFRB in compliance with the social distance.

“Ang mahalaga, ang mga estudyante ay komportable, hindi nagdidikit-dikit, at siyempre kailangan natin ng minimum health protocols katulad ng pagsusuot ng face mask, paglalagay ng mga alcohol at thermometer units. Dapat lahat ng pasahero ng school bus ay may face mask for the protection ng ating mga estudyante,” LTFRB chairperson Atty. Cheloy Garafil said in an interview at 24 Oras.

[Translation: The important thing is that the students are comfortable, not packed tightly together, and of course, we need minimum health protocols such as wearing a face mask and placing alcohol and thermometer units. All school bus passengers must have a face mask for the protection of our students.]

In a report, the LTFRB and the city bus administrators conducted a meeting on Saturday, August 13, regarding on the reopening of 100 public transportation vehicle routes.

Modification of some routes to lessen the transferring of the commuters between vehicles were also been discussed.

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