Transportation agencies tasked with providing licenses to bus drivers were operating without proper accreditation from the Ministry of Transport, local media reported on Friday.
Such cases are not rare in Colombia as many fatal accidents involving busses are usually caused due to the driver’s inabilities or poor maintenance of the vehicles. However, since accusations began of organizations cheating the system, the government has begun to address the issue.
BACKGROUND: We cannot keep playing with the lives of Colombians: Minister of Transport
In late 2012, Colombia’s minister of transportation spoke out against the large number of bus accidents throughout the country.
“This cannot happen again, government policy is to reduce accidents. We have zero tolerance [regarding] this issue,” said Cecilia Alvarez.
The government has since created a watchdog entity tasked with monitoring and investigating any centers that distribute faulty licenses.
The Ministry of Transportion also urged Congress to pass a bill concerning the creation of a National Highway Traffic Safety Agency in Colombia.
