Simultaneous operations vs PUV set to ensure implementation of discounts
Text size
Three decades after the Marcopper mining disaster devastated Marinduque’s waterways, the province is again pressing the…
Housing is probably the biggest issue affecting people the world over.
Malacañang on Monday called for a more thorough investigation into the questioned flood control projects in Taguig…
The defense on Monday backed the move by senator-judges to exclude a prosecution witness who testified on the firearms…
To ensure strict implementation of discounts to senior citizens, persons with Disability (PWD) and students, the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (IACT) will conduct simultaneous operations among Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) today, June 14 in various areas.
The IACT will be assisted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) which sets the guidelines for granting fare discounts, in time for opening of classes.
According to Department of Transportation Undersecretary and IACT overall head Tim Orbos, 20 percent fare discount must be given to senior citizens, PWD and student passengers as it is prescribed by the law provided that they present identification cards such as Senior Citizen, PWD and school ID.
Based on Republic Act (RA) 9442 or the Amended Magna Carta for PWD and RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, PWD and senior citizens are both entitled to 20 percent discount for land, air and sea transportation.
On the other hand, LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2011-004 grants students 20 percent fare discount for land transport such as jeepneys, buses, UV Express vans, taxis and transport network vehicle services (TNVS).
Memorandum Circular 2017-024, meanwhile, allows students to avail themselves of the said discount even during weekdays, holidays and school breaks.
“I appeal to our drivers to honor the all-year round 20% discount for students, PWD and senior citizens,” Orbos said.
“Refusing to grant such discount would cause more trouble because violators will be subjected to stricter penalties depending on the number of times the offense was committed,” he added.
LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra, for his part, stressed drivers refusing to give 20 percent discount will have to pay P5,000 fine for first offense; P10,000 fine with impounding of unit within 30 days for second offense, and P15,000 with cancellation of franchise for the third offense.
Orbos and Delgra both encouraged senior citizens, PWD and students to report and file formal complaints against abusive drivers at the LTFRB which handles such offense.
