'Walang pasok... pero may discount': LTFRB reminds PUV drivers of student fare discount rule
Students must still enjoy a 20 percent fare discount even during class suspensions and holidays, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) clarified on Wednesday, Nov. 19, amid complaints against some drivers of public utility vehicle drivers.
Likewise, LTFRB chairperson Vigor D. Mendoza II warned of legal consequences if the PUV drivers are caught rejecting the student fare discount, adding that operators are liable too.
Citing Republic Act 11314, or “An Act Institutionalizing the Grant of Student Fare Discount Privileges on Public Transportation”, Mendoza said fare discount “shall be available during the entire period while the student is enrolled, including weekends and holidays.”
“The law is very clear about this. There must be a discount to students even during holidays for as long as they are enrolled. So we are reminding the operators and drivers again to strictly follow the law,” said Mendoza.
“If not, I will make sure that you will suffer the consequences, including the revocation of your franchise,” he warned PUV drivers and operators.
Under the law, the maximum penalty for PUV drivers is three-month suspension of driver’s license and P1,000 fine for each offense.
The operator, on the other hand, faces a maximum fine of P15,000 and revocation of the Certificate of Public Convenience.
Mendoza then urged students to file complaints before the LTFRB through the Hotline 0956-761-0739, or through the LTFRB social media accounts.
“All you have to do is to properly document it and we will take care of the rest,” said Mendoza.
He issued the same call to other beneficiaries of the fare discounts like senior citizens and persons with disabilities.