By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On Monday, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III issued a stern warning to operators and drivers of Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVSes) and Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) to comply with the law-mandated fare discounts for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students.
He explained that under Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, a 20% fare discount is required for senior citizens and PWDs.
Students are also entitled to a similar 20% discount during school days, based on LTFRB memorandum circulars. The agency reminded all PUV operators to grant students the discount at all times, including holidays, weekends, and during vacation, 24/7, year-round.
However, an influx of complaints from passengers who rely on TNVS platforms lacking an option to apply discounts and those who avail of some PUV operators (including jeepneys and buses) that refuse to honor valid IDs or are charging the full fare, have led the franchising agency to take decisive action on this pressing concern.
“Non-compliance with discount policies not only undermines the rights of passengers but also tarnishes the reputation of the public transport sector,” Guadiz warned TNVS and PUV operators, stressing that such malpractices are a disservice to the commuting public.
The LTFRB chief emphasized that operators and drivers who fail to follow these regulations will face stiff penalties, including fines, suspension of franchise operations, and even franchise revocation for repeat offenders.
Further measures to protect passengers from TNVS and PUV operators that refuse to honor special fare discounts
Meanwhile, Guadiz assured the public that the LTFRB is ramping up its monitoring activities and will respond promptly to verified complaints of non-compliance.
Passengers are encouraged to provide detailed information, such as the vehicle’s plate number, the time of the incident, and any supporting evidence like receipts or screenshots. Reports can be submitted through the agency’s hotline (1342) or official social media pages.
The LTFRB has also called on TNVS companies to upgrade their platforms, ensuring that discounts for eligible passengers can be applied with ease.
Likewise, PUV operators are reminded to educate their drivers about the legal requirements and the consequences of non-compliance.
Chairperson Guadiz said the LTFRB’s push for strict enforcement sends a strong message that transportation services should prioritize accessibility and inclusivity.
By enforcing fare discounts, the agency aims to reduce the financial burden on senior citizens, PWDs, and students while promoting a culture of fairness and responsibility among transport operators.
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