DOTr deploys buses with left-side doors

The Department of Transportation on Monday said it deployed public utility buses with passenger doors located on the left side to suit the EDSA bus lane.

According to Dano Tingcungco’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, Transportation Assistant Secretary Steve Pastor said they started to pilot four buses already.

“Based on international accepted practice, ang preferred for safety measures and babaan nasa left side na po. So that is the proof of concept now being employed by our bus operators participating in the EDSA busway and magtutuloy-tuloy na po ‘yan because we feel we studied that it will be more safe for our passengers,” Pastor said.

He said four more left-door buses will be deployed next week and 15 more will be dispatched in September.

Pastor also clarified that left-side doors are not required for all buses as they are still studying its effectiveness.

“Marami kasing factors ‘yan although this is an international standard. Kami po ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga bus operators dahil nasa pandemic tayo ng panahon na ito and we also take into consideration ‘yong financial standing nila,” Pastor said. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News