The 15 buses of Florida Transport Inc. were suspended after a viral video went viral showing six of the company's buses seemingly racing on the national highway from Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya to Cordon, Isabela in the early hours of Sunday, June 8.
According to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, starting June 11, buses plying the Santa Ana to Sampaloc and Baguio to Apayao routes have been suspended for minimum 30 days. One of the buses allegedly violated its route and went to an area outside its franchise, thus affecting its line as well.
In addition, the six drivers will be subject to 90-day license suspensions, while all Florida Transport buses will be required to undergo mandatory drug testing.
The company apologized and said it was not in line with their values. But, according to Dizon, sorry was not enough and he ordered the LTFRB to pursue the maximum penalty for the company.
LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III added that all the company's units will also undergo a road worthiness test. If there are buses that fail to meet safety standards, it is possible that more buses will be suspended. The drivers will have a hearing on June 13, while the LTFRB and Florida Transport will meet on June 25.
