The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued a stern warning to operators and drivers of transport network vehicle services (TNVS) and public utility vehicles (PUVs) on Monday, emphasizing the need to comply with mandatory fare discounts for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students.
LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said the agency is committed to protecting the rights of marginalized groups under Republic Act No. 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010) and Republic Act No. 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons). These laws require a 20 percent fare discount for senior citizens and PWDs, while students are also entitled to the same discount during school days, as per LTFRB circulars.
Despite these legal mandates, complaints of non-compliance have surfaced, particularly with TNVS platforms that fail to offer discount options and PUV operators, including jeepney and bus drivers, who refuse to honor valid IDs or charge full fares. Guadiz condemned such practices as “a disservice to the commuting public” and warned that violators could face heavy penalties, including fines, suspension, or even franchise revocation for repeat offenders.
The LTFRB ramped up monitoring efforts and encouraged passengers to report incidents of non-compliance via its hotline or social media pages. The agency also called on TNVS companies to update their platforms to facilitate easier application of discounts and urged PUV operators to better educate their drivers on legal requirements.
This initiative is part of the LTFRB’s broader mission to ensure a more inclusive and equitable public transport system, reducing the financial burden on vulnerable groups while fostering a culture of responsibility and fairness among operators.
