LTFRB to PUVs: Student fare discount valid even on holidays, class suspensions

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reminded drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) that the 20-percent fare discount for students still applies even during holidays or class suspensions.

It issued the statement after it received complaints about PUV drivers who ignore

Republic Act No. 11314.

“The law is very clear about this. There must be a discount [for] students even during holidays for as long as they are enrolled [in school],” LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said.

Section 4 of RA 11314 states that fare discounts “shall be available during the entire period while the student is enrolled, including weekends and holidays.”

“We are reminding the operators and drivers again to strictly follow the law,” said Mendoza. “So conduct yourselves properly, because if not, I will arrange the cases against you personally so that you will not just face fines, you will also lose your franchise.”

The LTFRB noted that drivers may have their licenses suspended for three months on top of being fined P1,000 for not honoring the fare discount.

Operators, on the other hand, may have their certificate of public convenience revoked and pay a maximum fine of P15,000 for the offense.

Mendoza urged students, as well as senior citizens and persons with disabilities, to file a complaint with the LTFRB if a PUV driver or operator does not give them a discount.

“All you have to do is to properly document it and we will take care of the rest,” he said.