RADAR BLITAR – Authorities at Blitar’s main bus terminal are intensifying bus safety checks ahead of Indonesia’s Eid homecoming season. They aim to protect passengers as travel demand rises in the coming weeks.

At Patria Type A Bus Terminal, officials now conduct frequent ramp checks on buses before departure. Terminal management works closely with the local transportation agency to inspect each vehicle. As a result, only roadworthy buses enter service.

Terminal head Verie Sugiharto said ramp checks form a routine requirement. However, the terminal increases inspections starting one month before Eid. “Ramp checks are essential and we cannot skip them. We have stepped them up ahead of Lebaran,” he said.

Inspection teams check buses almost every day before departure. They verify both technical and administrative compliance. Inspectors examine brakes, lights, tires, documents, and overall vehicle condition.

“Our priority is transport safety and passenger protection. Therefore, we conduct ramp checks regularly with relevant agencies,” Sugiharto said.

Besides vehicle inspections, the terminal organizes health and urine tests for drivers and conductors. Medical staff perform health checks, while Indonesia’s narcotics agency runs drug tests. Consequently, only fit and sober crews operate buses.

Screening teams identify drivers who feel unwell or fatigued. If a driver fails the check, officials advise rest instead of duty. This step reduces risks to passengers.

Sugiharto also urged drivers to monitor their physical condition. If they feel unwell, they should stop and rest. He stressed that this precaution protects passengers.

Passenger traffic at the terminal will likely rise sharply three days before Eid. Migrant workers usually return to Blitar during this period. Therefore, authorities are strengthening coordination to manage the surge.

“We expect passenger numbers to peak around three days before Lebaran. So we continue coordinating safety and security measures,” Sugiharto said.

Overall, the terminal’s intensified ramp checks and crew screenings support safe travel during Indonesia’s annual Eid exodus.