The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday conducted a discussion with 19 Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) platforms functioning in the nation as part of initiatives to guarantee adherence to fare discount regulations for senior citizens, individuals with disabilities (PWDs), and students.
This initiative arises from reports of disregard for the Expanded Senior Citizens Act and the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which entitle seniors and PWDs to 20% fare reductions, along with documented breaches of similar provisions for students.
During the discussion, Grab Philippines reaffirmed the measures it has taken to align with the aforementioned laws and emphasized the mechanisms it has integrated within its application to ensure that discounts are available to eligible passengers.
On the other hand, the Russian-founded ride-hailing service inDrive, which restarted its operations in the Philippines in June 2024, shared updates on its compliance efforts, including the official introduction of fare discounts for qualifying passengers on its platform beginning Dec. 18, 2024.
In a statement, the Coalition of Filipino Commuters (CFC) stressed the necessity for the LTFRB to “implement a consistent application of government-mandated discounts for students, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities across all digital ride-hailing services.” The organization highlighted the significance of such discounts, pointing out accessibility and inclusivity as crucial advantages for marginalized groups within society.
Previously, the LTFRB reminded drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs), along with TNVS companies, to fully adhere to regulations that provide 20% discounts to senior citizens, PWDs, and students.
In December, LTFRB Chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III expressed disappointment that “despite the explicit guidelines, reports of violations have compelled the agency to take measures.”
Mr. Guadiz emphasized that noncompliance with government-mandated discounts “contravenes the law and serves as a disservice to commuters.”
Furthermore, he reminded PUV and TNVS operators that transgressions of the special passenger discount regulations may incur fines and penalties, inclusive of suspension or annulment of franchises for repeat offenders.
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