GPS to be required for buses soon

MANILA, Philippines–The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to require all public utility buses nationwide to install global positioning system (GPS) devices to enable authorities to track their locations and monitor their speed limits.

The board held a consultative meeting with GPS providers and suppliers to discuss the technical parameters and requirements of the device. The board also briefed them on how to acquire accreditation to supply the GPS to bus operators.

All GPS devices must comply with the data format and programming language required by the board, LTFRB said.

“Bus operators will only be allowed to purchase and install GPS devices from suppliers accredited by the board,” LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez said in a statement.

“The (GPS) system would also enable the board to strictly impose the speed limits on buses and thereby provide a safe travel for our commuters,” added Ginez.