LTO conducts mandatory drug tests on bus drivers after fatal crash

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) conducted mandatory drug tests on Wednesday at Solid North Transit Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, targeting 740 bus drivers and conductors following a fatal SCTEX crash.

Two bus drivers from Solid North Bus Inc., who were not involved in the initial crash but tested positive for drugs, have been identified by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Solid North management expressed full cooperation with the directive and confidence in negative test results, though two drivers tested positive initially.

Those testing positive will undergo confirmatory tests; all Solid North Transit buses are also subject to mandatory roadworthiness checks. Out of 276 units inspected so far, 46 have proven compliant.

The driver involved in the fatal SCTEX crash tested negative for drugs but was found taking maintenance medication that may cause drowsiness. Two recent crashes involving a bus and an SUV at Ninoy Aquino International Airport raised concerns over road safety.

In response to these incidents, the DOTr has implemented new rules including mandatory drug testing every 90 days for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and limiting driving hours to four per trip.