A group of bus operators is urging government to conduct surprise random drug tests instead of regular drug testing to weed out bus drivers who use narcotics. 

Provincial Bus Operators Association executive director said Alex Yague said regular drug tests are impractical in removing PUV drivers who use illegal drugs.

“Dapat ‘yan surprise palagi para mahuli natin kung sino yung gumagamit ng bawal na gamot,” he told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

The Department of Transportation has mandated regular drug testing for PUV drivers following the deadly multi-vehicle collision at the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the ramming incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

Palace backs regular drug tests for PUV drivers

Transport group PISTON and several lawmakers have questioned the DOTr's directive, calling it an added burden to drivers and a "money-making scheme". 

They also noted that only a small percentage of PUV drivers test positive for illegal drugs.

Meanwhile,  Yague also questioned a DOTr proposal to limit to 4 hours the PUV drivers' daily shifts, saying government should factor in traffic in Metro Manila.

“Pag-aalis ka dito sa mga terminal dito sa Metro Manila, minsan aabutin ka ng 1 or 2 oras matatraffic ka. ‘Yung 4 na oras maaring maging hindi practical yan kasi napaka-traffic ng mga kalsada. Mag-aapela kami,” he said. 

City bus operators urge rethink of proposed 4-hour limit for PUV drivers