LTFRB checks PUVs on 20 percent fare discount

By Joseph Zambrano

BAGUIO CITY - - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Cordillera is  doing inspection on public utility transportation units including jeepneys, buses, taxis, AUVs or vans and express service franchises  on the implementation of the  20 percent  fare discount.

Rosario K. Oyaman, head of LTFRB in the region,  said that with the opening of classes, public utility drivers should give the mandatory  20 percent fare discount to students.,  as well as  senior citizens and people with disability.

Students from preschool to college, including  vocational and technical schools recognized by the government, are entitled to the discount.

Students of postgraduate studies and short-term courses like seminars, however, are not covered by  such privilege.

Also  entitled to  the 20%percent fare discount are   senior citizens and people with disability.

To avail  of the discount,  they must present their identification cards.

On the part of the transport sector,  Perfecto “Jonie” Itliong Jr, 1 UTAK coordinator, said they are giving fare discounts  to those who are entitled to it.

“We know the difficulty parents face to defray household expenses with prices of basic commodities rising. This is the least we can do to help our students keep their spirit of going to school and pursuing their education,”  Itliong  said.

Violation of the directive will be penalized with a fine of P2,000 on first offense, P3,000 and suspension of franchise on second offense, P5,000 as well as cancellation of franchise on third offense.