Legal Protection of Public Transportation Passengers: Corporate Liability for Driver Negligence

Abstract

This study aims to examine the legal protection of public transportation passengers and the liability of transportation companies for losses arising from driver negligence. The research is based on the legal position of passengers as users of transportation services who are entitled to safety, security, comfort, and compensation for losses resulting from the operation of public transportation services. This study employs normative legal research using statutory and conceptual approaches. Legal materials are analyzed qualitatively through legal interpretation of regulations concerning transportation, consumer protection, corporate liability, and the legal relationship between transportation companies, drivers, and passengers. The findings demonstrate that public transportation companies bear legal responsibility for passenger losses caused by driver negligence, particularly when the driver acts within the scope of employment and authority provided by the company. Corporate liability is not limited to compensation for losses but also includes the obligation to ensure driver competence, vehicle roadworthiness, operational safety, and compliance with applicable transportation standards. The study concludes that effective passenger protection requires the implementation of corporate liability that is transparent, proportionate, and oriented toward transportation safety. The implication of this research is the need to strengthen regulatory supervision, corporate accountability, and accessible compensation mechanisms to provide legal certainty and effective protection for public transportation passengers.