PUV drivers told: Uphold student discounts

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday warned public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators that failure to honor the 20 percent student fare discount, even during weekends and holidays, could result in fines or franchise revocation.

LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza II issued the warning after receiving several complaints that some PUVs failed to grant the discount during long weekends and recent class suspensions.

The warning aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s instruction to ensure student welfare.

Mendoza stressed that the policy also applies to fare discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

“The law is very clear about this. There must be a discount to students even during holidays for as long as they are enrolled,” Mendoza said, citing Republic Act 11314, or the Act Institutionalizing the Grant of Student Fare Discount Privileges on Public Transportation.

Section 4 of the law explicitly states that the fare discount “granted under this Act shall be available during the entire period while the student is enrolled, including weekends and holidays.”

Under the law, drivers can face a maximum penalty of a three-month license suspension and a P1,000 fine for each offense, while PUV operators face a maximum fine of P15,000 and revocation of their Certificate of Public Convenience.

“That’s why you must follow the law because if you don’t, I will personally file a case against you so that you’ll not only be fined, but you will lose your franchise,” Mendoza stated.

He urged students to file complaints against non-compliant PUVs via the LTFRB hotline 0956-761-0739 or through their official social media accounts.