Definition and Operation of Bus Doors
- Buses must maintain doors in good physical condition.
- Single-door buses: driver must keep the door closed except in designated zones.
- Double-door buses: front door operated by driver; back door operated by conductor.
- Owners penalized for physical defects affecting doors.
Definitions of Key Terms
- Defective Doors: doors that cannot be closed properly by human effort; includes broken or dilapidated doors.
- Physical Defects: vehicle body defects not classed as mechanical, e.g., defective doors/windows, broken windshield, broken suspension, worn-out tires.
Fines and Penalties
- Loading/unloading outside designated zones: P500 fine.
- Failure to keep doors closed between stops: P1,000 fine.
- Liability for single-door bus: driver pays the fine.
- For two-door buses: driver fined for front door violations; conductor fined for back door violations.
- Penalties for physical defects (imposed on owner/operator):
- P1,000 for defects like inoperable doors, broken bolts, misaligned body, damaged windows, broken suspension.
- Vehicle impounded if fine unpaid after 7 days; continued operation without repair results in P5,000 fine plus impounding fees.
- P250 fine for worn-out tires; increased to P5,000 if worn tires cause accident plus mandatory tire replacement or vehicle impounding.
Procedure in Case of Unavoidable Defects En Route
- If physical defects occur en route (e.g., broken bolt, defective suspension, inoperable door), the bus must return passenger fares before passengers disembark to avoid penalties.
Effectivity Clause
- The regulation takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation in Metro Manila.
This detailed summary encapsulates the regulation's scope, definitions, procedural requirements, penalties, and objectives aimed at improving traffic safety and management in Metro Manila's major bus routes.