The Land Transportation Office is currently inspecting all 270 buses under the operation of Solid North Transit. This mass inspection comes after a Solid North bus crashed into several vehicles on SCTEX last week, claiming the lives of four individuals and injuring dozens more.
The crash and other consecutive incidents prompted the LTO and the Department of Transportation to take swift action against unsafe motoring. Solid North drivers and conductors were given a Road Safety Seminar by the LTO, while the DOTr rolled out its mandatory drug testing program for PUV drivers. Earlier this week, it was reported that over 500 Solid North drivers, conductors, and employees were tested for drugs.
On May 9, 2025, the DOTr reported that two Solid North drivers tested positive for drugs. As per DOTr Department Order. 2025-008, the drivers will be barred from operating their vehicles until a confirmatory test disproves the initial results. If drug use is proven, their licences may be permanently revoked.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Yanna surrenders driver’s license but fails to bring motorcycle in second LTO hearing
Security bollards around NAIA T1, T2 to be inspected and audited
At the time of writing, the 46 Solid North buses have passed roadworthiness inspections by the LTO. These checks were done at an LTO facility in Zambales, and the rest of the fleet is scheduled to be inspected soon.
Previously, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon called upon the LTO and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to overhaul driver education and roadworthiness standards. It is unclear if the recent Road Safety Seminar and these latest inspections follow a new blueprint.
Solid North Transit is still carrying out its 30-day suspension, which is scheduled to end on June 1, 2025. However, the bus company is also currently appealing to lift the suspension.
