The Backbone Behind Solid North Bus: Ownership & History
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Pangasinan Solid North Transit, Inc. operates as a major bus company in the Philippines, primarily serving Northern Luzon routes.
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Founded in 2007, it is a subsidiary of Fariñas Transit Company, a transportation pioneer since 1969.
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The company is led by Gerald P. Chua, who holds the position of President and CEO.
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The fleet consists of nearly 300 bus units, servicing high-demand routes from Metro Manila to Baguio, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and beyond.
💥 Major Incident: Multi-Vehicle Collision at SCTEX Involving Solid North Bus
On May 1, 2025, a tragic accident involving a Solid North Bus shocked the nation:
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A Solid North bus, operated by Dagupan Bus Co., crashed into four vehicles at the SCTEX Tarlac Toll Plaza.
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The impact killed at least 10 individuals and injured 37 others, including children.
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Medical reports confirmed that traumatic brain injuries were the leading cause of death, including a 4-year-old child among the fatalities.
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Three injured victims remain hospitalized, including a 2-year-old boy under close observation.
🚑 Rescue & Retrieval Operation
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The Tarlac Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) led a 2-hour extrication effort.
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Marvin Guiang, head of PDRRMO, described the scene as catastrophic:
“Parang sardinas na sama-sama sa loob... gagamitin mo ‘yung extrication equipment para lang ma-extract sila.”
🚫 30-Day Fleet-Wide Suspension of Pangasinan Solid North
Transport Secretary Vince Dizon issued a full suspension of all buses under Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc.:
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Initially, 15 buses were suspended. It was later expanded to the entire fleet of nearly 300 units.
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The suspension covers all routes, not just those headed to Pangasinan, for a minimum of 30 days.
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Criminal charges are being filed against the bus company and the driver involved in the accident.
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The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is tasked with enforcing these sanctions.
⚖️ Government Reaction & Reform Initiatives
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Dizon met with over 20 bus companies to enforce reforms and stricter passenger safety protocols.
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Key directives include:
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Mandatory alcohol and drug testing for all bus drivers
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Stricter monitoring of driving hours (max 6 hours/day)
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Reinforced enforcement of safety regulations
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Dizon stressed:
“Kargo nila bawat pasahero… kargo ng bus company at kargo ng driver.”
🚌 Fleet Overview of Solid North Bus
Despite the suspension, the company is known for offering diverse services:
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✅ Luxury Class Buses:
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28-seat capacity
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Lazy Boy reclining seats
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Wi-Fi, onboard restrooms, snacks, and USB charging ports
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✅ Super Deluxe Class:
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45-seaters with recliners
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Two TVs, restroom, Wi-Fi
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✅ Regular Class:
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45-seaters, TV, air-conditioning
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📍 Routes Previously Covered by Solid North Bus
Before the suspension, Solid North Bus covered essential northern routes such as:
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Metro Manila to Baguio via PITX and Cubao
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Pangasinan (Dagupan, San Carlos)
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Central Luzon (Tarlac, Pampanga)
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Laoag, San Fernando, and more